Recorded presentation

Martin Kimotho, Vannie Phan, and Antionette Garner. Health and Environmental Resource Center, 6301 Third St., San Francisco, CA 94124, 415-468-4372, mkimotho@bayviewherc.org

The Breathing Counts Program aims to increase the health and wellness of underserved asthmatic children and their families residing in Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco. This program, staffed by health educators and community health workers (who will serve as co-presenters), emerged out of the lack of continuous and accessible health care, pervasive environmental toxins, and soaring asthma rate in this section of the city. In approaching asthma education, Breathing Counts relies heavily on three Community Health Workers (CHWs)—community residents with a passion for health education and advocacy, who have sought continued training in this arena. The CHWs are able to provide health promotion and disease prevention services as peers and role models to their fellow residents. The Breathing Counts CHWs offer asthma education at local schools, public housing facilities, libraries, parent advisory meetings, beauty and nail salons, and health fairs. The CHWs also serve as advocates between asthmatic families and healthcare providers, school administrators, the local housing authority, and legislated officials. Each year, Breathing Counts reaches approximately 7000 residents in Bayview Hunters Point with asthma education training and related services. For the section presentation, CHWs will share their experiences, concerns, and best practices regarding their work as health advocates in a disenfranchised community.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the benefits of community health workers to health education and outreach efforts.
• List five methods of conducting community-focused health outreach.
• Discuss strategies for gaining buy-in from key community stakeholders, such as parents, teachers, physicians, and other advocates.

Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Asthma

Related Web page: www.bayviewherc.org

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: employment

Recorded presentation