Lay-health workers (Promotores) serve as a bridge between the service provider and the community, a proven element which increases community trust in accessing health care. Lay-health workers, using effective health communication tools, can be part of an integral approach to eliminating health disparities and improving health outcomes.

Each FPI Program follows a 7-point protocol:

1. Each project is designed with community partners.
2. Members of the community help develop the health messages.
3. Lay-health workers serve as agents for community education.
4. Local providers and social service groups prepare for potential referrals.
5. Spanish-language Resources Guides are distributed.
6. Site Coordinators are trained to facilitate outreach services to build community involvement and inform community members about services.
7. Outreach approaches include: home visits, community events, fairs and meetings.

Current FPI Programs:

Early Breast Cancer Detection

• Creando Nuestra Salud
  The focus of this project is improving the breast health of Spanish-speaking women through community developed, educational “novelas,” training of community health workers and church-based education emphasizing:

• Early breast cancer detection
• Understanding the breast self-exam
• Breast health education
• Women’s advice on breast health


For more...

• Alianza de Mujers Activas (Active Women’s Alliance)
For nine years, the RWHP has supported and partnered with AMA, a non-profit organization that serves to ensure that every farmworker woman excels in all aspects of her life. AMA’s work is extensive, spanning participation with law enforcement, local clinics and domestic shelters to improving work options. In partnership with the RWHP, AMA has tackled health concerns affecting the community.
For more…

General Health

• Mensajeros de Salud
  Funded by HRSA in collaboration with Family Medical and Dental Centers, this community health-centered initiative, Mensajero, is a lay-health worker program that focuses on increasing access to health services and increasing the health literacy of Hispanic community members.   For more…

HIV Education

• Entre Nosotras
  Entre Nosotras is designed to dismantle the fundamental barriers to Hispanic women's prevention of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. These barriers include: lack of information and trust, access to services and identification of HIV and STDs as a prioritized health concern. This women’s health program in Hispanic, immigrant communities of rural North Central Florida, focuses on increasing women’s health literacy, teaching about family planning and addressing risk and prevention of HIV. For more…