Sondra Leiggi, MPH¹, Adaobi Udenwa, MPH¹, and Juan Carlos Belliard, PhD, MPH². (1) Department of International Health, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall #1302, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909-544-0117, Sondra17@aol.com, (2) School of Public Health/International Health Dept., Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350

Purpose: As part of a curriculum-based case study exercise, public health graduate students were asked to study the factors that influence the ability of a population to access health care as well as the world views that shape their health beliefs and practices. This real world learning experience was done through a partnership with local Latino immigrant families that "adopted" pairs of students for two consecutive academic quarters. Methods: Diary-interviews, reflective journaling, and participant observation techniques were used to collect and reflect on information gathered from the study participants. Results: The students developed a deeper understanding of what immigrants face [particularly non-English speaking immigrants] when accessing health care. They became aware of public health challenges that are shaped by an individual’s environment. They also learned about the value of close cultural networks that exist within immigrant enclaves and how these networks, when viewed as assets, can assist in health promotion in addressing key public health concerns. Conclusion: Lack of insurance, English competency, cultural understanding and transportation create a unique set of problems for immigrant families. Students observed the frustrations immigrants face when navigating an unfamiliar social service system in a foreign language and came to understand that gradual change was the only realistic goal. Perhaps most important, students learned the importance of engaging the community when trying to understand the community’s assets and the barriers to achieving and assessing goals. In this manner students and professionals alike are better able to first learn from a community before providing services.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1)Evaluate whether unique barriers to healthcare exist for immigrant families.
• Identify the factors that cause the barriers (if they exist), 3)Develop an approach for public health professionals to overcome those barriers.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Community-Based Public Health

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.