A Nuestra Salud is a health education program developed by a baccalaureate School of Nursing and implemented in four Catholic parishes serving the rapidly growing Latino communities of Portland, Oregon. Two issues are addressed: first, the health of Latino families can be compromised by barriers to access of health care; and second, health care providers in mainstream health service systems lack experience caring for Latino families and do not always provide appropriate, sensitive care. The major objectives of A Nuestra Salud are to: 1. increase community awareness of health issues and health promotion strategies for Latino families and individuals; 2. facilitate access to care by reducing cultural and linguistic barriers; 3. strengthen leadership and technological skills of Latino residents to increase their role in shaping community health services; 4. encourage ongoing learning in the community through health education classes taught by community members; and 5. provide University of Portland students and faculty opportunities to engage in learning experiences in a culturally diverse population. A health promoters model (promotores de salud), based on popular education, was used to achieve these objectives. Over thirteen weeks, classes in health promotion, computer skills, and leadership development were presented to forty-three Latino volunteers. This program culminated in a graduation ceremony for thirty-eight participants, and a community health fair organized and presented by the promotores themselves. Promotores continue to meet in their parishes, organize health education presentations, serve as community resources, and are sponsoring Promotores II classes.
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Articulate an increased awareness of effective health promotion strategies for families and individuals in Latino communities; 2. Explain the impact of Latino health promoters (promotores de salud) on the health status of their community; and 3. State the basic principles of the popular education model used in a health promoter program
Keywords: Latinos, Community Health Promoters
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.