Innovative Strategies in Delivering Health Care: The Promotora Model
Author: Gomez-Murphy, Maria M.A.
Date Published: 1995
Promotora or lay health worker models are effective bridges between the traditional health care system and low-income populations who have difficulty assessing the system. Most promotora models work within the open system of a community, addressing many types of health problems, and working with many types of people. A promotora works within her clients' cultural and psychosocial context. She is a member of the target community and reaches her clients through nontraditional means. She is trained in specific and general health topics, but cannot give medical advice. The promotora partners with targeted population to access quality health care low-income clients. The program also has an impact on the LHW, creating a spiral effect of personal and community empowerment. As the promotora helps others, she helps herself.
Date Published: 1995
Promotora or lay health worker models are effective bridges between the traditional health care system and low-income populations who have difficulty assessing the system. Most promotora models work within the open system of a community, addressing many types of health problems, and working with many types of people. A promotora works within her clients' cultural and psychosocial context. She is a member of the target community and reaches her clients through nontraditional means. She is trained in specific and general health topics, but cannot give medical advice. The promotora partners with targeted population to access quality health care low-income clients. The program also has an impact on the LHW, creating a spiral effect of personal and community empowerment. As the promotora helps others, she helps herself.
