Program ModelsCommunity Coalitions
Many farmworkers and border community members live in neighborhoods without access to health care facilities, healthy food choices, recreation facilities or other resources that support health. Increasingly, Migrant Health Promotion uses coalition-building strategies to bring together community members and diverse stakeholders to solve community health problems. Community coalitions not only mobilize and unify resources, they also involve community members in the process and value their input to the same degree as that of the experts or professionals. By creating a "level playing field," Migrant Health Promotion is successfully uniting Promotores and Promotoras, community members, health care providers and others in active, community-based coalitions. The members of these coalitions are committed to working together, sharing resources and creating systems, policies and communities where healthy choices are easier to make and available to all.
"Everyone's opinion counts - in order to use a strategy that is achievable and realistic."
-Carmen Soto, Promotora
Results
The REACH Promotora Community Coalition unites local Promotores(as), health providers, schools and community-based organizations to treat and prevent diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Formed in 1999, the Coalition has remained true to its mission of creating community-driven change on multiple levels. Participating individuals have increased their weekly intake of fruits and vegetables and the minutes per week they spend walking or exercising. In addition, the Coalition has worked with two area school districts to replace sugary drinks from campus vending machines and has successfully advocated for local stores in the colonias to offer low-fat milk and healthier cooking oils.
LEARN MORE about how our programs are improving health outcomes.
Profile
Awards
- Border Models of Excellence, sponsored by the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission
- State and Community Coalition Award, sponsored by the Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education and the Centers for Disease Control.
- Leadership and Commitment to the Border Vision Fronteriza, sponsored by the University of Arizona, Rural Health Office, College of Public Health and the federal Health Resources and Services Administration
View a complete list of Migrant Health Promotion's Awards & Honors.
A Story from the Program
In March 2003, the Children's Health Coalition observed Cover the Uninsured Week by recognizing Parent Involvement Coordinators in the Rio Grande Valley. These coordinators organize and distribute health, educational and social service information to each student's family in the region. The Coalition's recognition ceremony brought the coordinators together with over 30 member organizations and strengthened collaboration between school districts, health care providers, community-based organizations and government agencies as a result. Children from the Texas Migrant Council's Head Start Program performed at the reception to honor those who keep their families informed of community resources throughout the 35 regional school districts of the Valley.
