Mariposa Community Health Center: Our Services

Services: Community Programs

Recognizing that education and promoting a healthy lifestyle is vital to the prevention of chronic disease, Mariposa created Platicamos Salud, the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Department. Platicamos Salud utilizes highly trained lay health workers or “promotoras” to reach the underserved populations in Santa Cruz County.

Promotoras are individuals who are long time residents of the community and reflect the cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic characteristics of their neighbors. They receive training on health care, facilitation and community resources and assist Mariposa’s customers navigate the health care system. The Promotoras interact with clients and their families and teach them to manage their personal risk factors and to positively impact their own wellbeing. Currently, the Promotoras and teen health facilitators work in the community and help clients and families learn about nutrition, exercise and living healthy, productive lives.

Some of the programs available to Santa Cruz County residents through Platicamos Salud include:

· Tobacco use Prevention and Cessation Classes
· Diabetes Education and Prevention
· Cancer Education and Prevention
· Health Start—prenatal education, home visiting program
· Breastfeeding Promotion and Education Program
· Women’s Health Programs (Woman’s health education, fitness and nutrition)
· WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program Services
· Community/School-based fitness education programs
· Cardiovascular disease prevention and education programs
· Lupus education and support groups
· Financial literacy classes
· Summer Youth Institute and peer health training
· Infant and child car seat safety classes
· Parenting classes and domestic violence support
· Citizenship Classes

For information on the location, times and availability of these programs, please see the Platicamus Salud Schedule of Classes or call (520) 281-2860.