The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #51502

Isabel C. Scarinci, PhD, MPH¹, Bettina M. Beech, DrPH, MPH², Terry Bailey, RN³, and Jackie Stone, BPS³. (1) Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, MT 609, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, (205) 975-7177, iscarinci@dopm.uab.edu, (2) Center for Community Health, University of Memphis, 5050 Poplar Ave, Suite 1800, Memphis, TN 38157, (3) Clinical Services, Hickory Hill Clinic, Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, 6590 Kirby Center Cove, Memphis, TN 38115

Historically, the Memphis area has not received a large number of Latino immigrants. However, this trend has changed markedly in the past few years with a major influx of Latinos (primarily Mexicans) to this area. Although immigration brings more diversity and enrichment to the community, it also brings social, environmental, and economic restructuring that is likely to affect the community. One of social issues to be addressed with recent immigration is the health status and access to health care among the newcomers. Given that most of these low-income Latino immigrants are undocumented, they are not eligible for most government programs designed to assist low-income populations in this country. Sowing the Seeds of Health (Sembrando las Semillas de la Salud) is a theory-based and culturally sensitive program on breast and cervical cancer prevention and family planning for low-income Latinas, primarily immigrants. This program is a result of a successful partnership between the University of Memphis and the Women's, Infant, and Children (WIC) program in Shelby County. Partnerships between academic research settings and community agencies have been shown to have a great impact in terms of behavior change in the community, and it represents a great venue to disseminate health promotion and disease prevention programs among hard-to-reach populations. This presentation will focus on the development of a culturally relevant program targeting low-income Latina immigrants, current results, challenges, and lessons learned.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of establishing partnerships in the community to better meet the needs of hard-to-reach populations, particularly recent immigrants;
• Recognize the importance of getting Latina immigrants involved in the development of a health promotion program;
• Identify creative ways of overcoming barriers in terms of health promotion and disease prevention among Latina immigrants.

Keywords: Latinas, Immigrant Women

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.