Binational Sister Communities Health Project
In 2004, HIA developed a Binational Sister Communities Health Project to match California immigrant populations to their Mexican areas of origin. By focusing on the origins and destinations of migrants from the eight Mexican states that represent the primary sending regions (Baja California, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Zacatecas), HIA hopes to develop a better understanding of migration between Mexico and the United States.
The Binational Sister Communities Health Project aims to identify networks created between the places of origin and the organized immigrant communities in California. The objective of the project is not only to identify the immigrant's place of origin and his/her destination, but also to establish relationships with the health care providers in the immigrant's native and California communities. Another objective of the project is to educate migrants and their families about health care and the migratory process.
HIA compiled information on migration networks in four California counties (Imperial, Monterey, San Diego, and Tulare), then used this research for HIA's collaboration with PROBEM teachers, the organization of diverse health campaigns, and for meetings with Mexican officials from Zacatecas and Jalisco.
The information gathered has also been used in various fundraising proposals as background and justification for expansion and development of locally based binational programs. Additionally, Sister Communities data has proved valuable in the distribution of HIA materials during Binational Health Week.
Binational Health Week
This year, the Ninth BHW will take place October 3-15, 2009 in 40 states in the U.S. and 3 provinces in Canada, with the participation of the consular networks of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Additionally, during BHW five national campaigns will be implemented to promote awareness among the underserved Latino community on H1N1 Influenza, Prevention of Addictions, Nutrition, Prevention of Strokes, and Living Green.
More information about BHW events