Program activities include workshops concerning health issues, support groups, literacy training, case management, information and referral.
LSS/SC in Long Beach/South Bay Area has provided the largest and most comprehensive Hispanic Outreach Project since 1986. Healthy Hispanic Families is a program developed from this successful program. Participants of the Hispanic Outreach Project helped create the program design for Healthy Hispanic Families. Family is considered to be the very soul of the Hispanic culture and consequently, plays a very important role when making healthcare decisions. For this reason, the program takes a comprehensive approach in order to focus on the needs of each and every family member from grandparents to very young children. Healthy Hispanic Families provides education and on-going support for low income Hispanic men, women, children and family members concerning their healthcare risks, the healthcare system, available resources, and how to effectively access them. Program participants benefit from peer support as they make lifestyle changes to improve their individual and family health.
The program consists of four primary components including: Family Assessment and Case Plan Management – Participants are interviewed through the intake process and receive a comprehensive case plan that includes information, referral, and follow-up to monitor goals, progress and outcomes. Clients are referred for diabetes and asthma screenings, routine and follow-up healthcare, and other medical services as needed. All participants are eligible for the full range of agency services including emergency assistance (such as food, clothing, hygiene items and transportation) if needed.
Educational Workshops – Monthly workshops are offered on topics including accessing healthcare services, communicating with healthcare providers, nutrition and obesity, preventative healthcare, chronic illness/disease management (diabetes, asthma, etc), the treatment and prevention of childhood disease, and the impact of illness on the family.
Support Groups – Weekly groups offer a forum for participants to focus on specific health related issues and concerns in a smaller group setting. Groups are led by professional staff members, volunteer professionals, or trained volunteers. Group members are able to offer peer perspective and assist with problem solving with family, health, and communication issues.
Literacy Training (ESL) – Designed to improve access to healthcare and communication with healthcare providers, literacy training in English is provided both individually and in group classes. Instruction in English with literacy training in reading, writing and language is provided by Bilingual staff and trained community volunteers. Initial testing is performed to determine participant’s level of English language skills to establish a baseline. Additional testing is utilized to assess individual progress throughout program participation.
Outcomes of Healthy Hispanic Families include: completion of literacy training with improvements in English reading and writing skills; increased ability to communicate with healthcare professionals; increased satisfaction and results with healthcare providers and facilities; increased knowledge of the risk factors and symptoms of chronic disease (diabetes, asthma, etc.); increased knowledge of the prevention and treatment of chronic disease; increased knowledge of the treatment options available to them for chronic disease; less isolation and depression and an increase in self-esteem; improved family relationships and communication; increased ability to utilize healthcare and community resources to improve overall health; made positive lifestyle changes in the areas of nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction.
Funding for this program has come from several Foundations: California Endowment; Kaiser Permanente Foundation; PacifiCare Foundation; and Thrivent Foundation. Individual and group donations have also provided financial support. Because of the success of this program and needs of the community, we are expanding the program to address the pressing health related needs of low income ethnic minority families in Long Beach and surrounding communities of Los Angeles County. This new program, Healthy California Families, will need funding and financial support from foundations, grants, and individual donors.
714-685-1800