Lucy Watie, Community Health Worker via Immunize Kansas Coalition (IKC), recently formed a new community health program centered on reaching the Hispanic population.
Watie recruited eight women from her adult English learning class to volunteer as community health workers under Diversidad Latina (Latina Diversity).
“They can relate to a lot of the population. What better opportunity than to offer it to them,” said Watie.
Watie came on board with IKC after working for eight years at Centura Health.
“My passion is to serve,” said Watie. “I’ve served all my life whether it’s in my church, my family, or my community.”
Watie was present at the city council meeting May 24 to promote the program and inform the public. Watie approached the city council about her group of promotoras (promoters).
“I believe they are going to be a great asset to our community,” said Watie.
The non-profit organization will provide grassroot education to the Hispanic community. Promotoras will collaborate with local government, community, and medical organizations to provide opportunities to reach vulnerable, low-income, and underserved members of Latino-Hispanic populations. To better serve the community, each community health worker will undergo training and education in nutrition, self-esteem and resilience, cancer 101 and early detection, code of ethics, diabetes, high blood pressure, knowing your rights, safety, basic use of technology, HIPPA, ethics, and confidentiality.
AngieLee Esquivel, Laura Mendez, Marisela Aguilar, and Josephina Pando were present at the city council meeting to represent the promotoras.
During the Chamber Coffee May 26 at Grant County EMS, Watie mentioned the upcoming Grant County Community Needs Assessment, of which the group of promotoras will provide assistance.
“We are really excited about that,” said Watie. “I’ve come to find that these ladies, every one of them, have so much to bring to the table. They are very passionate about doing something for their community. They just didn’t know where to begin.”
Watie is in the process of recruiting additional promotoras to serve the Ulysses community.
Those interested can call 620-510-2333 or email watie@immunizekansascoalition.org for more information.
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