The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60415

Xóchitl Castañeda, DrPH, Norma Martinez-Rubin, MPH, CHES, and Rosario Alberro, MA. California Policy Research Center, 1950 Addison Street, Suite 203, Berkeley, CA 94720, 510-643-4088, Xochitl.Castaneda@ucop.edu

This session will describe multilevel strategies used in California to improve the health and well being of Mexican-origin populations. Presenters will discuss how their programs have reinforced and complemented each other’s efforts in health promotion and policy development, per the following goals:

1. Make migrant/immigrant health a policy priority in California and Mexico. Presenters will explain how they have established regional task forces in California, including public and private sector service providers, agribusiness, and union representatives to support and strengthen bilateral efforts such as Binational Health Week.

2. Improve the cultural sensitivity and competency of health-care providers in California. Immersion programs for medical students, health providers, and promotoras foster their understanding of the linguistic and cultural health needs of Mexican-origin patients. Presenters will describe their experience and the binational coordination required to make such programs successful.

3. Increase access to and use of health services and systems. The Consulates of Mexico in California are augmenting health services utilization by providing on-site assessment, referral, and linkage to community-based health services. Presenters will explain how Health Stations/Ventanillas de Salud increase health care access and insurance enrollment.

4. Develop the bilateral capacity to reduce health disparities. Collaborative research on migrant/immigrant health issues can inform policymakers, health planners, providers, and administrators of deep cultural, social, linguistic, and economic ties to Mexico. Presenters will discus research applications in future design and implementation of binational efforts to improve migrant/immigrant health.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• 1)Describe at least three multi-level strategies to heighten the visibility of migrant and immigrant health.
• 2)Discuss how their organization can replicate proven bilateral strategies to strenghten efforts toward health care access for migrant and immigrant populations

Keywords: Latino Health, Access to Health Care

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.