Successes of a new public health program for low-income and primarily Latino undocumented children and subsequent family survey reveals health/mental health status of parent and child

Early data from a community assessment project in Santa Cruz County showed low levels of health insurance coverage for children, especially the children of low-income Latino immigrants. The data acted as a catalyst to county-wide efforts, co-chaired by First 5, Healthy Kids was created as a public health insurance program designed to cover low income and undocumented children in Santa Cruz County. The program has resulted in widespread coverage and health access for this population. To develop a deeper understanding of low income primarily Latino families with young children, a Time 1 and Time 2 family survey was implemented in 2007 that evaluates the impact of First 5 efforts on the health/mental health of families and family stressors. Findings showed the public health programs were a major success, since virtually all respondents said their children had health insurance and had a well-child check up in the last six months. Data also showed: 35% of parent respondents felt so sad that nothing could cheer them up; 24% felt hopeless; 30% felt they were “rarely” or “never” able to turn to friends or family for emotional or personal help; one third felt that they were “rarely” or “never” able to turn to friends or family members for parenting support; and 55% “never” used community agencies or programs to help with parenting challenges. ASR is working with First 5 and partners to bring forth mental health resources and parenting workshops for immigrant families in Santa Cruz County.