A4_Riviera A. Fajardo_ M. Aragon Summit Presentation Final

Promotores de Salud Mental Implementation Overview

A partnership between a Community Based Organization, El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center, and Riverside County, Department of Mental Health

Presenters 

Alexander Fajardo, Executive Director El Sol Neighborhood Education Center

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Myriam Aragon, LFMT Program Manager

Riverside County Department of Mental Health Cultural Competency/ Recovery Learning Center

Presentation Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4.

Introduction to Promotores Model Implementation Process and Lessons learn Measurement of effectiveness of the program Next steps

Goals of the Mental Health Promotores Model in Riverside 1.

2. 3.

Increase knoledge about mental health and mental illness among the Latino Community. Reduce stigma about mental illness Linkage of individual in need of mental health services to appropite cultural and linguistic services.

Keeping the philosophy of Promotores Model 

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Promotores de salud (health promoters) play a key role in advancing the well-being of the communities they serve. Promotores are individuals who provide their services in their communities. Through their work, promotores become familiar with challenges faced by the Latino families and individuals in their communities. promotores often have to find ways to support people struggling with a wide range of difficulties in their lives.

History 

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Community members have been used as natural health support by various cultures around the world. They are turned to for health and healing advice. Community members have taken health care programs to rural populations and addressed issues such as: Nutrition, Immunizations, and Sanitation. The model of Community members as advocates and educators has documented presence in the US since 1968, but Promotores have existed in other nations for centuries.

Characteristics of a Promotor 

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Lives in the community. Speaks the same language as the community. Understands “Familiarismo” and “Personalismo”. Posses leadership and advocacy skills. Has existing social networks. Willingness to learn. No personal interest, for personal gain. Is an agent of change. Is sensitive to social cultural aspects of the acculturation process.

Community Participation and Decision Making regarding Prevention & Early Intervention (PEI)  

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Community Focus Groups Cultural Competency Advisory CommitteeSpanish Speaking Consumers/Family Members Sub committee. Identification of PEI funds for the implementation On going community participation in the implementation and evaluation of the program

Mental Health Transformation: Building Partnerships Riverside County Department of Mental Health

“Government”

COMMUNTY

Community Based Organization

“Promotores”

“El Sol”

Development & Implementation Process 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

Community Advisory Group Promotores Training Curriculum Recruitment of Promotores Train Promotores Program Promotores Retention Promotores Activities

Outcomes 

2010-2011

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2011-2012

Future of Promotores Program  

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Maintaining an ongoing Promotores de Salud group. Development of Specialist Promotores Programs to respond to health and social issues in the community. Provide academic training and certification for promotores; a partnership with Loma Linda University. Expand Promotores Program to multi-cultural diverse communities. Building Community Based Organizations Mental Health Promotion

Where we are today…

Thank you. QUESTIONS?