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

Abstract #63054

Paola Fernan-Zegarra, MBS, Latino Health Initiative/Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, 8630 Fenton St., 10th floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 240-777-4173, Paola.Fernan-Zegarra@co.mo.md.us, Sonia E Mora, CHE, Latino Health Initiative, Montgomery County Health and Human Services, 8630 Fenton St., 10th floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Nancy Newton, MA, MPH, Consultant, health promotion, 7513 Dundalk Rd., Takoma Park, MD 20912, Cecilia Rojas, Latino Outreach Program, Community Ministries of Rockville, 114 West Montgomery Ave, Rockville, MD 20850, and Christy Swanson, Programa Salud es Vida, CASA de Maryland, 734 University Blvd., East, Silver Spring, MD 20903.

In Montgomery County, Maryland, home to a rapidly growing Latino population (80% increase between 1990 and 2000), the Latino Health Initiative of the County Department of Health and Human Services is working in partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs) serving Latinos to implement a multi-faceted outreach and education program to increase the use of colorectal cancer screening among low-income, uninsured Latinos. Elements of the model include: community feedback sessions to increase understanding of barriers to colorectal cancer screening; a public education campaign using mass media; recruitment, training, deployment, and supervision of community health promoters; technical assistance for capacity building among the CBOs; and linkages with service providers. Factors that have facilitated the implementation include: the cultural and linguistic competence of the health promoters; community trust and respect for the CBOs; development and application of Spanish-language materials and tools to strengthen promoter outreach (training curricula, educational materials, continuous improvement system); and ongoing advocacy for the model with key players. Challenges to implementation include: mid-program changes in screening service guidelines; lack of cultural and linguistic competency in the health services related to colorectal cancer screening; coordinating multiple parties and reconciling multiple interests in a complex health care system.

Learning Objectives:

• List the elements of a model to increas use of colorectal cancer screening among low-income, uninsured Latinos
• List factors that facilitate implementation of the model
• List challenges to implementation of the model

Keywords: Latinos, Cancer Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Montgomery County Department Health and Human Services/Latino Health Initiative CASA of Maryland Community Ministries of Rockville Primary Care Coalition
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am contracted by the Primary Care Coaltion and seconded to the DHHS/Latino Health Initiative as Program Coordinator for the Cancer Prevention and Control Program.