Despite widespread awareness of these dramatically changing demographics, 20 percent of Spanish speakers living in Latino communities fail to seek medical treatment because of language barriers. Latino populations are also more likely to be under- or uninsured than other minority groups, while Latino females are the least likely to receive vital preventative services—such as screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases—and have the highest growing rate of teen pregnancy nationally. These factors significantly compromise health care quality and accessibility for Hispanics.
How the Program Works
Planned Parenthood's La Promesa — "The Promise" — entails a two-part approach:
(1) To offer culturally sensitive medical services that address the gaps in preventative screening and quality healthcare for area minority residents.
(2) To teach parents and teens how to speak about difficult, sometimes embarrassing, issues that if left un-discussed could have devastating consequences on a young person's health and future. Latino families commit to devoting their energy, resources, and passion to provide their children with opportunities for a better life.
On a long-term basis, La Promesa aims to:
- Increase and improve access to reproductive healthcare
- Increase knowledge and awareness of reproductive and family health issues
- Lower the late-stage incidence and mortality rates for breast and cervical cancers
- Strengthen families by breaking the cycle of high-risk behaviors that result in increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancies
La Promesa's Spanish-speaking educators assist families in learning how to openly discuss complicated topics such as breast cancer, sexually transmitted infections, teen pregnancy, and responsible sexual behavior. In-home and community-based workshops that help parents develop honest family communication are stressed. Planned Parenthood also reaches out to Latino women and families through Latin newspapers, radio stations, and networking with Latino organizations.
In 2007, this program served more than 16,000 community members.
This program is generously funded by the Quantum and Picower Foundations, the Children’s Services Councils of Martin and St. Lucie Counties, The Health Foundation of South Florida and the US Department of Health & Human Services.
Want to learn more?
Email us at: lapromesa@ppsoflo.org or contact any of our Health Centers.
