Abstract
A coalition of employers in the hotel and restaurant industries collaborated with community-based organizations to undertake
a unique demonstration project, called the Employed Latino Health Initiative, aimed at improving access to basic health care services for low-wage Latino workers in Columbus, Ohio. With grant funding
from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the project developed and tested protocols allowing Latino workers from participating
companies to obtain basic health care screenings, referrals to medical providers, health education training, and the services
of a qualified community health navigator. Data from the pilot project indicated high screening participation rates, extensive
referrals to providers for follow-up care, and a substantial need for facilitation services by community health navigators.
The project provides a model for how employers can potentially promote their own interests in boosting work productivity through
facilitating expanded access to basic medical services among vulnerable workers, despite the absence of conventional health
insurance coverage.
a unique demonstration project, called the Employed Latino Health Initiative, aimed at improving access to basic health care services for low-wage Latino workers in Columbus, Ohio. With grant funding
from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the project developed and tested protocols allowing Latino workers from participating
companies to obtain basic health care screenings, referrals to medical providers, health education training, and the services
of a qualified community health navigator. Data from the pilot project indicated high screening participation rates, extensive
referrals to providers for follow-up care, and a substantial need for facilitation services by community health navigators.
The project provides a model for how employers can potentially promote their own interests in boosting work productivity through
facilitating expanded access to basic medical services among vulnerable workers, despite the absence of conventional health
insurance coverage.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Communication
- Pages 1-5
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9642-2
- Authors
- Allard E. Dembe, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 174 West 18th Avenue, 5042 Smith Laboratory, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
- Jeffrey M. Biehl, Access HealthColumbus, 61 Jefferson Ave # 1, Columbus, OH 43215-3862, USA
- Alicia D. Smith, Health Management Consultants, 4449 Easton Way, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
- Teresa Garcia de Gutierrez, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Newton Hall, 1585 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912