Training of Indigenous Health Workers in San Quintín, Baja California

AMOUNT: $15,000 US

PROJECT LEADERS: Miguel A. Fraga Vallejo and Stephanie Kay Brodine

INSTITUTIONS: Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and San Diego State University

San Quintín, Baja California, is an agiricultural community with indigenous peoples. Immigrants arrive from southern Mexico, and others arrive on their return from the agricultural fields of California. San Quintín has the highest poverty rate in the state with a corresponding mortality rate. The town's access to health services in general is deficient in both the areas of preventative medicine and treatment. The goal of this project was to recruit, integrate, and train indigenous volunteers in preventive health care, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and diagnosis of important diseases that affect the community. The volunteers were trained to train others and become health leaders in their community. They received continuing education to build their health knowledge and their abilities to raise the level of health in their community.