Health Education and Outreach
In addition to direct patient care, Esperanza serves the community through a number of health education and outreach initiatives, including:-
Lay Health Promoters Program - Beginning in early 2010, Esperanza's new Lay Health Promoters (LHP) Program will train and mentor Spanish-speaking community leaders in North Philadelphia to promote health in the community. Individuals who are interested in becoming a Lay Health Promoter should be a Christian with a desire to love God and neighbor, at least 18 years of age, speak Spanish, and have a desire to help promote health in North Philadelphia. Initial training of new lay health promoters will begin in February 2010, and will involve a total of 40 hours of didactic courses on a variety of health-related topics. For additional information about the Lay Health Promoters Program, please contact Robert Reich, PA-C at (215) 831-100, ext. 231 or by e-mail at rwr@esperanzahealth.com.
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Nutrition Counseling -
Under the direction of Esperanza's Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, Tabitha Miller, RD, LDN, the health center offers personal nutrition and diet counseling for its patients, working in tandem with the health center's medical providers to help patients reach health goals. Specialized diabetes management and nutrition counseling are also integrated with medical care for patients with diabetes.
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Health Screenings and Health Education - In addition to current nutritional counseling services, Esperanza plans to expand health education efforts, through new diabetes education and health education classes for our patients and for the community.at a number of local community events, churches, and in conjunction with other local community organizations.
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Health Outreach - Throughout the year, Esperanza participates in numerous health outreach events across the community - including both outdoor health fairs during summer months and indoor health outreach events in conjunction with other
community organizations, churches and schools. Esperanza staff members conduct routine screenings and health questionnaires at many of these events, distribute educational literature on many health-related topics, and answer questions about the comprehensive services offered by the health center.
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HIV/AIDS Outreach - Members of the Esperanza HIV Care Team offer training courses to equip local churches to provide support to people who are affected by HIV/AIDS.