Promotores de Salud serving Latinx community
In the one year since the shelter-in-place order went into effect, Mendocino County has had 3,974 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those, over 50% have been in the Latinx community. Nuestra Alianza de Willits works closely with the Spanish-speaking community in and around Willits. Recently, in partnership with the County of Mendocino, the organization has launched a six-month pilot to close the language gap in COVID-19 communications to the Spanish-speaking community to address health disparities among the Latinx population.
The Promotores de Salud (which translates to Health Promoter) effort is modeled on Mexican and Central American adult peer education programs, which bring bilingual health education and information into Latinx homes and community-gathering locations. These community health workers are native Spanish-speakers who are culturally and linguistically competent to communicate with the Latinx population. Promotores complete extensive training to provide public health information, and the impact the program has made in outreach and engagement is one of the many reasons we are proud to have supported this work with our COVID-19 Relief grants.
“I was a farm field worker for over 12 years,” says Diana Gomez. “I understand the needs of farm workers. They are not always good with technology or getting the most current information. Becoming a Promotora was a good opportunity to help those with need.” The Promotores have undergone extensive training to ensure they are well educated on current issues around testing, prevention, and vaccination to help the Latinx community access critical public health resources. “Many Latinx essential workers are eligible for the vaccine but don’t know they are or how to sign up,” says Ana Almanza, a Promotora. “Because of the Promotores’ work we are getting a lot more people signed up for the vaccine.”
“In addition to education we are also learning a lot from the people we are talking to,” continued Ana Almanza. “We are hearing about their fears and their needs. The advantage of having the information come from us is that Nuestra Alianza de Willits already has a connection with community members. We are familiar and a part of the community; we are not the government. So, it allows us to bring vital information from the County directly into the community.” Indeed, there was “initially a lot of hesitancy and no way to prove eligibility,” says Sergio Perez. “Now more folks are getting vaccinated, knowing they are safe and that no information will go to immigration.”
This information has created an uptick in testing, prevention, and vaccination, and has also opened the doors to further assistance when the need arises.
With a grant from The Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund, the Promotores have been able to provide food to 43 high-risk families. The grant also included funding for masks, fliers about testing, resources for those in isolation or quarantine, and contact information for the Promotores for further assistance. The Foundation also helped to provide a drive-through distribution of holiday gifts in December for 90 children, which included gift bags for parents with children’s sized masks, hygiene products, and important outreach information.
The Promotores have also helped community members access emergency financial assistance with rent, utilities, and groceries through organizations including North Coast Opportunities (NCO). Of the $460,000 the Foundation has awarded for immediate assistance so far, over 50% has been given to Latinx individuals and families. By translating essential information, connecting people to resources, and meeting critical needs, the Promotores have made a lasting contribution to the longterm health and recovery of our community.
The pandemic and resulting recession have disproportionately impacted Latinx individuals and families; Latinx workers have experienced large losses in employment while also being 1.7 times more likely to contract COVID-19. Because they have been disproportionately harmed physically, emotionally, and economically, the recovery process will take longer even when our community begins to reopen. The Community Foundation is dedicated to supporting all of Mendocino County, especially when it comes to closing the equity gap. Our COVID-19 Relief work has focused on supporting those with the greatest need, and with the help of our donors we hope to continue to provide this critical support.
To learn more about the COVID-19 Relief Program you can download a PDF of our 2020 Impact Report, or donate today.