Health Stations (Ventanillas de Salud)
The Ventanilla de Salud (VDS) program is a partnership among local health advocacy and health services organizations and the Mexican consular network. This partnership is led by local, United States 501(c)3 service agencies with the appropriate administrative capacity and technical expertise to manage and implement the program. The Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME), a division of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, has established VDS program guidelines and officially promoted the development of this program since 2004. The Health Initiative of the Americas (HIA) has been instrumental in the development of this program since its inception.
VDS "health windows" incorporate bilingual, bicultural, and highly trained health educators and health advocates into the regular flow of consular services to provide on-site assessment, referral, and linkage to available health services. Advocates assess consulate clients for eligibility to government-funded health insurance and for other primary care services. HIA has developed a tool called Guide to Health Programs to facilitate this objective. In addition, health educators conduct 15 to 30 minute consumer education sessions to a large number of persons per day. Health presentations include an array of important public health and health care access topics. HIA materials such as PSAs and short health education videos are often used to enhance the presentations.
VDS Program Objectives
To provide personal and culturally sensitive counseling and referral services onsite to consular clients and their families on how to access available health services in both countries. When necessary and appropriate, provide backup legal advocacy to consular clients on health related issues. Enrolling in public health insurance programs and establishing medical homes is a priority.
To educate and inform consular clients on health issues and prevention topics relevant to their community and their specific needs.
To build a close, direct partnership linkage of client referral and health education among local Mexican consulates, local health departments, community health organizations, and the major health institutions in Mexico.
In California, the Ventanillas de Salud program has been a collaborative effort spearheaded by local, non-profit organizations such as Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and Project Concern International (San Diego). Each VDS enjoys the support and collaboration of many local partners such as Maternal Child Health Access, Alta-Med, HealthNet, Proyecto del Barrio, the Los Angeles County Health Department, the Health Initiative of the Americas, the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, La Maestra Community Clinic, North County Health Services, Neighborhood Health Care, San Ysidro Community Clinic, and Family Health Center. Substantial funding comes from The California Endowment and the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission.
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