Promotores Gather In Show of Unity

"Healthcare Is A Right For All" is Theme of ConferenceBURBANK, Calif.--(Business Wire)--More than 1,000 promotores (peer to peer heath promoters) aregathering in Burbank for a two-day conference to discuss the criticalhealthcare issues affecting California's underserved, low-income andminority communities. The conference, located at the Burbank Marriott Airport andConvention Center, 2500 N. Hollywood Way, begins Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. Itis organized by Vision y Compromiso, the statewide network ofpromotores organizations. It convenes annually to address bestpractices, areas of need and policy issues. "Promotores are from the community and know first hand what thekey issues are for people with little or no access to health care,"said Angela Coron, director of community benefit for Kaiser PermanenteSouthern California. Promotores work throughout the United States and Latin America,often through community organizations in both paid and volunteerpositions. Usually assigned to work in neighborhoods where they live,promotores serve as an interface between providers and thecommunities. They disseminate valuable information to individuals onhow to access healthcare services, and even lobby institutions such asschool districts to take proactive steps in improving the health oftheir constituents. Promotores are usually associated with Latinocommunities, but they work with all groups in need. Kaiser Permanente underwrites several promotora-based programs onthe West Coast. All deliver healthcare in innovative ways tounderserved members of the community. Lupe Gonzalez, a promotora for the Coalition for Community Healthin South Los Angeles, is the founder of "Women in Motion," a 12-weekexercise class held at area elementary schools. Not only have theclasses helped improve the health of their participants, they use thegatherings as forums to discuss vital community issues with outreachworkers. "They see it as a safe place to go, where they can discussissues that are important to them," Gonzalez said. The promotores conference will feature 20 different workshops.Topics include buying healthy groceries on a tight budget; the mentalhealth of immigrants; and patient rights. About Vision y Compromiso Founded in 2001, Vision y Compromiso is California's onlyCommunity Health Workers' CHW's/Promotores Network. Vision yCompromiso assesses and validates the impact and benefits ofCHW's/Promotores' work and informs policymakers and public officialsabout the growing health disparities among native-born and new Latinocommunities in California. CHW's/Promotores provide a continuum ofservice in a variety of capacities; they are referred to as outreachworkers, advocates, case managers, translators, educators, communityliaisons, and community organizers, among other roles. About Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser Permanente is America's leading integrated health plan.Founded in 1945, it is a nonprofit, group practice prepayment programwith Southern California headquarters in Pasadena, California. KaiserPermanente serves the health care needs of 3.3 million members inSouthern California. Today it encompasses the nonprofit KaiserFoundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and theirsubsidiaries, and the for-profit Southern California PermanenteMedical Group. Kaiser Permanente's Southern California Region includesmore than 49,919 technical, administrative and clerical employees andcaregivers, and more than 6,000 physicians representing allspecialties. INTERVIEW REQUESTS: Lupe Gonzalez and other promotores will beavailable for interviews at the conference.Kaiser PermanenteSouthern California RegionNews BureauRon Shinkman818-848-8510orVision y Compromiso, on siteAra NajarianCell: 323-353-4062Copyright Business Wire 2007