Why Promotoras?
C2C’s Promotora Program fills a critical need in Santa Cruz County’s public health infrastructure by building a countywide network of trusted, informed community health workers who deliver culturally responsive peer-to-peer health education and resource referrals, and who co-design advocacy and systems change strategies so that all children and families experience equitable outcomes in the core conditions of health & well-being.
Who are Promotoras?
The Promotoras program was created in partnership with Santa Cruz Community Health, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, Human Services Department, and Encompass to promote community health. Promotoras are C2C parent leaders who were trained as Community Health Workers to spread messaging about good health throughout the community.
These dedicated leaders underwent an 8-module, Spanish-language training series that resulted in twelve certified Promotoras. This education program covered a variety of topics, including COVID-19, mental health, and good nutrition. Through this training and ongoing monthly workshops, Promotoras are equipped with the knowledge and tools to support parents and families in accessing safe and scientifically-backed information.
What do Promotoras do?
Promotoras support peer-to-peer messaging to promote good health throughout the community. This involves connecting with families at C2C events, working with community partners to educate others about vaccines, and being a trusted resource for families to come to with questions or concerns related to health. Promotoras also share out local resources, such as information on health clinics, mental health services, and facts about vaccines. It is understandable for folks to have doubts about the medical system, given all of the misinformation circulating in our world, and the Promotoras act as an ally, resource, and advocate for their community.
Promotoras in action
SPEAKING UP IN SUPPORT OF GOOD HEALTH
On May 22, 2021, Promotoras, Diana and Angelica, spoke at the Health and Home Groundbreaking Ceremony for Santa Santa Cruz Community Health, Dientes and MidPen Housing. The project will provide increased access to dental and health care and affordable housing to Live Oak residents.
Check out this video to watch their speeches!
Connecting with the community
The Promotoras visited Pajaro Dunes Resort in Spring 2021 to meet with staff members and discuss concerns around vaccine hesitancy. Each Promotora had the opportunity to share their personal story related with the COVID-19 vaccine and answer questions of the community directly.
After the panel discussion and Q&A, C2C partnered with Salud Para La Gente, to offer a free onsite vaccine clinic to Pajaro Dunes staff. Thank you, to our friends at Salud, for making this event possible!
“At first, like all people, I had my doubts about the vaccine, whether it was good or bad. But, in reality, it was more good than bad ... For me, the vaccine does not kill, the virus does.” Angelica, promotora
