The Bay Point/Pittsburg African American Health Conductors Program Contra Costa Health Services and Center for Human Development

Presenter Cynthia Garrett Lead African American Health Conductor

Objective What is the African American Health Conductors Program? Why and How did this program begin? Core functions of the African American Health Conductors Program Update on Mental Health Activities and Outcomes Program Accomplishments

What is the African American Health Conductors Program? Part of an overall movement to eliminate health inequities and health disparities affecting the African American population. Inspired by the life and dedication of Harriet Tubman to the freedom of African Americans.

Why and How did the program begin? With funding from Kaiser Permanente, the African American Health Conductors Program was piloted at the Bay Point Family Health Center in 2006. The goal was to address concerns of community residents who felt the clinic only served the Hispanic population. In 2008, CCHS and Center for Human Development formed a partnership to support the Health Conductors.

The Core Functions of the African American Health Conductors Program Outreach to African American residents in Bay Point/Pittsburg Provide Patient Navigation Conduct Community Health Education Campaigns

Core Functions continued… Facilitate Health Support Groups using the “Soul to Soul” model Advocate for Patients/Clients

Mental Health Activities/Outcomes Two Mind, Body, & Soul Support Groups 13 or more participants in the original group Topics: Managing Stress, Improving Relationships, Expressing Feelings, and Dealing with Death & Grief As a result, participants: Feel more connected, less lonely Pass on resources to others, share community resources within the group Build positive relationships Comments from evaluations: Look forward to coming back Want more support groups Very informative and satisfied with speakers

Here are a few of our Successes Annual Black History Celebration -- Rites of Health Ceremony Kwanzaa celebrated Poster campaign -- estimated 20,000 people saw the poster

Health Conductors Program Successes Formed two Mental Health Support groups and a third Soul to Soul group Increased staff with a Lead Conductor and a Male Conductor Supported Patient Group Visits Developed African American Nutrition series

Soul to Soul Health Support group Adult women Wednesdays, 10:00 am -12:00 pm Ambrose Recreation Center, Bay Point, Room 7

Body and Soul Health Education and Support group Men and women Tuesdays, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Pittsburg Health Center, Room B

Mind, Body, and Soul: Emotional Wellness Mental Health Support groups – Co-ed 1st & 3rd Mondays, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, Pittsburg Health Center, Room B. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, Pittsburg Senior Community Center.

African American Health Conductors Pittsburg Health Center, 2311 Loveridge Road Cynthia Garrett, (925) 431-2321 Lead Health Conductor Tracy Morgan, (925) 431-2351 Bay Point Family Health Center, 215 Pacifica Ave. Le’Andra Turner, (925) 427-8018

One of the Highest Tributes We Can Pay to Our Families is to Be Healthy.