The Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program-Health Awareness Project (FSNEP-HAP) focuses on the well being of senior citizens residing in the urban environment of New York City. Recognizing that the well being of older adults is contingent upon a host of physical, environmental, social and psychological factors, FSNEP-HAP has responded to the public health education needs of senior citizens. Seniors often lack the understanding of how to access resources and benefits they are eligible to apply for and how to use them most effectively (i.e. food stamps for nutritional benefit). Seniors also have health concerns that can be linked to outcomes of aging, including manifestation of chronic disease due to nutritional detriment and lack of physical fitness. Another vulnerable sub group includes low-income senior citizens residing in the U.S. as legal immigrants. Due to recent and frequent changes in the law about program entitlements, the eligibility criteria are confusing and unclear, and as a result senior immigrants may not be accessing their benefits. As a part of FSNEP-HAP, Work Experience Program (WEP) participants are employed and trained as Community Health Workers (CHW) to deliver health awareness messages to the senior population. FSNEP-HAP provides an intensive training component to in marketing, community outreach, basic health education and social marketing skills. The benefits of the program are twofold. The WEP participants gain important job and self-esteem skills, making them suitable candidates for subsequent employment, and the under-served senior populations gain valuable information and health awareness about life choices and healthy behaviors.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Recognize the usefulness of WEP participants /CHW to deliver public health messages. 2. Identify and respond to major public health and well being concerns of senior citizens residing in an urban environment
Keywords: Elderly, Community-Based Health Promotion
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.