Videos You Watched. Briefly Explain the Main

¶ … videos you watched. Briefly explain the main themes of each video.

In the video Maquilapolis, the water of a river has become polluted through industrialization. The workers living in the adjacent community have become dependent on the revenue they derive from working in factories, but their environment is being destroyed as a result. Because they are poor, no one cares about the conditions of these workers. Participation in human rights efforts has empowered the community and made residents more aware of why their living conditions have been deteriorating, and what they can do to alleviate this problem. Health angels: Help for society's most vulnerable people deals with the promotoras model of heath promotion, whereby community volunteers (preferably with some background in healthcare) who have personal knowledge of the needs of the community go door-to-door to identify and address critical health needs.

Q2. What health issues and services do the promotoras in the videos address?

Promotoras volunteers can act as aides for individuals who need transportation to health services; can offer knowledge resources and assistance in obtaining services from government organizations, and also have an educational role. Issues addressed span from helping residents with critical heath needs visit healthcare clinics, helping residents cope with unhealthy or unsafe home conditions, and teaching residents how to provide better lives for families with children by engaging in lifestyle modifications.

Q3. Do you think the promotora model is successful? Please explain.

The promotora model can be successful, provided that the volunteers are able to gain the family's trust and to convince them of the need to obtain health assistance. Although the promotoras are not doctors or nurses themselves, they have enough training to identify healthcare deficits, and can help poor people become more aware of the services to which they are entitled. Poor people are often overwhelmed by the challenges they face just staying alive, and the promotoras can navigate the confusing network of social assistance bureaucracies, as well as provide practical assistance in areas of life such as transportation. The promotoras show that someone cares about these often-forgotten populations, which can be profoundly spiritually uplifting for a family.

Q4. Which aspects of community organizing does the promotora model address?

Promotoras address issues of community knowledge and access to healthcare. They provide culturally-sensitive care. Because of their roots in the community, they are uniquely positioned to understand community issues and promote change.

Q5. What other cultures and what other Healthy People 2020 leading health indicators could this model be used for?