De Mujer a Mujer

The De Mujer a Mujer Program is a grassroots effort to bring medical expertise to disenfranchised peoples by recruiting community members to host a health party in the comfort of their homes. The program is a component of the Access to Health Care Model of the Eastern Area Health Education Center. The access to health care model combines the expertise of community resources with health professions students and trained promotores to promote health and well-being. Two collaborating agencies include Windham Hospital and Planned Parenthood. Of the three Mujer a Mujer house parties on breast health, 40% of the participants went to Windham Hospital for a mammogram. That averaged two women per house party of six participants. These two agencies have partnered with Eastern AHEC on the De Mujer a Mujer pilot program and based on its success applied to the Connecticut Chapter of the March of Dimes.

The De Mujer a Mujer Program is funded by the Connecticut Chapter of the March of Dimes to bring prenatal health and interconception health care information and resources to Hispanic women through the comfort of their own environments and among their families and friends. Men are also reached through recreational activities held at the Welcome Center to draw their interest and reduce any self-imposed barriers relating to learning about women health and pregnancy. Men and women learn about general health and nutrition, basic fetal development, optional conditions for fetal growth, and community resources.  They have an opportunity to compare their health and prior birth outcomes in relation to the information presented to increase self awareness of personal responsibility for one’s health. Attempts to dispel legal fears associated with seeking services at hospital’s Women’s Health Clinic will be affected by trusting the promotores and meeting hospital staff.

For more information contact Rosie Lazaro, Lead Promotora, 860.455.3037 or lazaro@easternctahec.org