Improving the mental health and well-being of nine California neighborhoods by building on networks of support

Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) is working to strengthen the community's capacity in the area of mental health and well-being by connecting individuals to already existing networks and helping communities support the mental health of their members. To that end, a network of nine Promotores communities was created throughout the county to focus on early prevention as well as reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and with a goal of building a sustainable effort. Each of the nine communities are predominately Latino and have a lead Promotor(a) trained in the Promotores model. The Promotores promote neighborhood leadership, community-based health education, and prevention. They are committed to providing support to their community and increasing knowledge on how to seek appropriate services. The nine communities provide activities for individuals that promote healthy living such as dance sessions and walking groups. Support groups and trainings are also conducted which work to develop confidence and leadership skills of individuals in their groups. This study examines the development of the network and will use data collected from July 2011 to June 2012 to describe the implementation of the Promotores model, the integration of all nine communities, and the sustainable effort as a whole. It will take a closer look at the early prevention efforts as well as the activities provided that improve the well-being of individuals. The relationship and the connection between the nine communities and the larger community in Stanislaus County will also be examined.