Mayra Rodriguez

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA

Abstract Title:

Lessons Learned in Using a Community Engagement Model to Elevate Immigrant Voices and Shape Health Priorities

Biography:

Dr. Rodriguez is the discipline chair for epidemiology, preventive medicine, and public health curriculum for OMS I and OMSII at VCOM–Auburn. Her experience involves examining language as a mechanism of health behavior change (i.e., alcohol and substance use) among criminal justice offenders using motivational interviewing, a client-centered behavior change therapy among substance users involved in the criminal justice system. Currently, Dr. Rodriguez is focused in understanding how social determinants contribute to health disparities, specifically, how life stress and discrimination over the life course impact maternal and child health. Her goal is to contribute context of the health inequality and provide efficient and effective solutions to post-partum care and infant cognitive development.

Research Interests:

Background: Current changing political climate has forced many immigrants to withdraw from society; they forced to downgrade their personal health priorities to focus on their own eminent survival. In turn, the growing number of immigrants in rural communities have placed an increased burden on healthcare systems, that are ill equipped to serve the community. Due to these two compounding challenges, we convened Latina immigrants as well as healthcare stakeholders for capacity building. Purpose: To explain how two divergent communities leverage relationships for one common goal, capacity building as the foundation for improved health equity.
Methods: We developed:
1) a conceptual model that explains the relationships between two divergent communities.
2)Identified structural (capacity, attitudes, skills) and personal constructions (mindset, expanded knowledge, responsiveness) aimed to laterally or vertically bolster capacity. 3)Identified linkages (partnerships, alliances, structural support) for community engagement.
Results: We found that building capacity for an immigrant community was imperative in
1)Having the mindset to see themselves as part of the larger community, not just as an individual in silo.
2)Growth in expanded knowledge in seeing themselves as leaders within their own community.
3)Increase responsiveness to invest themselves the larger community. In addition, we found that Latina immigrants carry distinct attitudes that can hinder capacity building, 1)Fatalistic views on disease/illness. 2)Victim mentality relating to policies.
Last, we identified two unexpected lessons:
1)Immigrants were in survivor mode mentality where priorities shift dramatically to accommodate only one purpose and everything else remains static.
Conclusion: Regardless of changing policies, there is a need for a more integrated approach to addressing health inequities. Understanding the dynamic constructs that each brings is imperative in building stronger and healthier communities. We highlight stakeholder influence, enhancing immigrant engagement skills, and fostering a mindset of shared power and knowledge.