Role of Lay Health Workers (“Promotoras”) in Health Research and Interventions in Underserved Communities Near the Texas-Mexico Border

The Environmental Health Research Group at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health has conducted research and health intervention activities for a number of years in rural, underserved Hispanic colonias near the Texas-Mexico border. Research has included studies of environmental contaminants in water and other media, and biomarkers to evaluate children's exposure to environmental contaminants. Health interventions have included health education training for local lay health workers (promotoras) and families. Past health education topics have included Safe Drinking Water and Home Safety. The promotoras are from the same or similar communities, and play a key role in engaging the community members. The promotoras develop a relationship with the community members during the process of conducting the research and interventions, and often obtain feedback from community members about the project and the environmental health issues that are of greatest concern to the community. Through these discussions and their observations, the promotoras are often able to identify solutions to environmental health issues that are culturally and economically appropriate. The promotoras review the health education materials before use to ensure they are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and then provide the health education to the families. The promotoras have been critical to the success of both the research and the health interventions. In addition, through this work, the promotoras have strengthened their leadership skills and improved their ability to work with community members to address health-related issues.