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224882 Promotores as partners in a community-based diabetes interventionMonday, November 8, 2010
Among the health disparities affecting Hispanic Americans are the high rates of type 2 diabetes, which are almost twice those of white Americans. To address these high rates, the LA VIDA (lifestyle and values impacting diabetes awareness) diabetes intervention program targets Hispanics who have or are at risk for diabetes in Hidalgo and Grant counties in southwestern New Mexico. Promotoras, community health workers (CHWs), are a pivotal component of LA VIDA in their role as health care navigators for their fellow Hispanic community members. Employed by Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS), a federally qualified health center that offers multiple health services in a health commons,LA VIDA promotoras also offer family support services. The promotoras contribute to reducing diabetes health disparities by improving access to health care and social services, facilitating enrollment in educational and physical activities, and supporting lifestyle changes.
Promotoras participate as partners in community activities that build capacity, contribute to sustainability and promote policy change. For example, since its inception, promotoras have participated in the Food and Nutrition in the Schools Committee (FANS ), which has developed and implemented a school wellness policy for two school systems in Grant County. Also, promotoras planned and implemented restaurant intervention program highlighting diabetes and heart friendly menu items at local restaurants. Through their understanding of cultural nuances and knowledge of community resources, LA VIDA Promotoras make it possible to transcend cultural barriers and promote change. Promotoras build capacity in their communities and offer promise for future sustainability.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsAdministration, management, leadership Advocacy for health and health education Public health or related research Learning Objectives: Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present at APHA because I oversee the Family Support program at Hidalgo Medical Services, a non-profit community health center. I am also a member of APHA. I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.
Back to: 3242.0: Building capacity with community/lay health workers
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