Type II Diabetic Education Manual for: Mexican-American Promotoras in Southwestern Arizona

Abstract

This purpose of this paper is to explore and potentially expand the current role of the community health care worker (CHW) serving type II diabetic patients at the Chiricahua Community Health Center (CCHC) in Elfrida, Arizona. This paper will also provide the context for this role expansion from a review of the current literature. Research indicates that CHW's can provide a much -needed bridge between the current health care structure available and the needs of the indigenous populations. Literature also show's CHW's can profoundly impact these populations by increasing access to culturally sensitive care and support for people suffering form chronic health care conditions. This project specifically offers a curriculum that will teach CHW's to provide much needed education and support to type II diabetic patients served by Chiricahua Community Health Center (CCHC) located in Elfrida, Arizona. This program was developed in alignment with the existing goals and values of the CCHC. The majority of patients served by this practice live in the surrounding communities of Elfrida and Douglas, both rural underserved communities located in the borderlands of Southwestern Arizona. The populations of Elfrida and Douglas are primarily Mexican American, Spanish speaking and un/ and underinsured. CCHC currently services 3,586 patients living in the Elfrida/Douglas area. 93% of these patients are Mexican and Mexican American and close to 25% are currently diagnosed and being treated for type II diabetes mellitus. In addition, of the 3568 patients serviced at the Chiricahua Community Health Center (CCHC) 3,155 are uninsured. (Center Grantee profile, 2000)