Dorcas Grigg-Saito, MS¹, Sonith Peou², and Bunrith Sath¹. (1) Lowell Community Health Center, 585 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01854, 978-746-7851, dorcasgr@lchealth.org, (2) Metta Health Center, Lowell Community Health Center, 135 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Faith and Health Partnerships between Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC), Lowell, MA and Buddhist temples and monks are described, as well as an overview of the Cambodian refugee experience; Cambodian and Buddhist health beliefs; traditional and spiritual healing; and the role of temples and religious leaders in community health. Lowell has a Cambodian population of an estimated 25,000, the second largest in the U.S. Specifics of the following LCHC programs that work with Buddhist leaders will be described: 1) the LCHC Metta Health Center, a “West Meets East” center integrating mental, physical, and spiritual health through primary care for all ages, mental health services, acupuncture, massage therapy, Kru Khmer (traditional healer) consultation, and Buddhist meditation; 2) the Cambodian Community Health 2010 Program, a CDC funded REACH 2010 program focusing on cardiovascular disease and diabetes prevention and treatment through activities with four sectors - the Cambodian community, the medical provider community, the health care system, and public health researchers; and 3) the Cambodian Health Service Improvement Program focusing on HIV and addiction prevention and treatment. A process evaluation of the impact of the partnership will be presented as well as related information from a random sample household survey and information on key health disparities in the community. Recommendations are provided for fulfilling the partnership’s promises and addressing the concurrent challenges.

Learning Objectives:

Will be able to
• Describe the Cambodian experience during the Khmer Rouge, in refugee camp, and in the U.S.
• Describe at least two forms of traditional and spiritual healing techniques
• List three steps for developing an effective relationship with a Buddhist temple and monk
• List three potential barriers to faith and health partnerships with Cambodian temples and monks.

Keywords: Refugees, Religion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Lowell Community Health Center, Inc.
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.

Handout (.ppt format, 4382.5 kb)