Oral

Hispanics represent an estimated 13% of the US population (US Census Bureau, 2002) and during the next two decades their numbers are projected to dramatically increase. The lack of health care and disease prevention are serious problems that have lead to a disproportional burden of chronic and infectious diseases. Access to adequate health care, tailoring prevention programs and increasing access to insurance are major challenges that must be addressed to improve every ones health. In particular, community based research can be utilized to address health problems. This session will present a social perspective of the actions of governmental and community leaders in Puerto Rico, building community partnerships, how to mobilize the Hispanic community and will provide a review of community indicators.

Session Objectives: At the end of the session the participant will: 1. Know how public policy can be aligned to the perceptions of persons in a low income community. 2. Know the environmental health issues related to a southern community in Puerto Rico affected by stone quarries. 3. Learn how community leaders were selected for long term partnerships. 4. Know how community partnerships can strengthen outreach strategies and research designs. 5. Know how to collaborate with multiple agencies to increase out reach in a community. 6. Learn how outreach workers and community participants were mobilized to articulate Latino reproductive rights to Latino Leaders and elected New York officials.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing