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

Abstract #72797

Graham Harriman, MA, LPC, Marcela Dixon, CHW, and Sergiy Barsukov, BA, CHW. Primary Care, Multnomah County Health Department, 426 SW Stark St, 8th FL, Portland, OR 97213, (503)988-3674, graham.a.harriman@co.multnomah.or.us

Within the Multnomah County Health Department primary care clinics in Portland, OR, there are a disproportionally low number of Latino and Russian-speaking clients with psychiatric diagnoses relative to the overall clinic population. Research suggests that lifetime rates of mental illness do not differ significantly between whites and Latinos, and while less is known about Russian-speaking populations, the unique circumstances of former Soviet refugees in Portland creates a particularly stressful acculturation experience and puts them at risk for psychological stress and mental illness. This discrepancy indicates the need to improve identification of psychiatric conditions within the health clinic system. A two-year SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Mental Health Disparities Project has increased identification and treatment of mental health needs of Russian and Latino clients through Community Health Worker (CHW) case management, psychotherapy, and increasing cultural competence of clinic staff.

Using a fish-bowl discussion format, Community Health Workers and other program staff will share experiences and results from this project to reduce disparities in mental health screening and treatment for Latino and Russian-speaking clients in the Multnomah County Health Department. Specific areas of exploration and discussion will include: •The role of CHWs in eliminating health disparities in primary care settings •CHWs’ roles in improving cultural competence of clinical care •Using popular education as a method for promoting client involvement in self management of chronic diseases •The value of integrating program evaluation into all aspects of the program

Learning Objectives:

Session participants will gain:
• a better understanding of the unique and varied roles of CHWs in primary care settings
• examples and strategies employed by CHWs to address health disparites 3)access to review evaluation tools, data collection instruments and outcome measures used to support and measure success of this project.

Keywords: Mental Health, Community Health Promoters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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 employed by Multnomah County Health Department and work presented is funded by SAMHSA grant

Handout (.ppt format, 210.0 kb)