Open AccessLong-Term Development of a “Whole Community” Best Practice Model to Address Health Disparities in the Cambodian Refugee and Immigrant Community of Lowell, Massachusetts
Author(s) -
Dorcas Grigg-Saito,
Robin Toof,
Linda Silka,
Sidney Liang,
Linda Sou,
Lisa Najarian,
Sonith Peou,
Sheila Och
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2009.177030
Subject(s) - refugee , psychosocial , psychological intervention , immigration , gerontology , medicine , health equity , community health , community health workers , nursing , political science , public health , environmental health , population , health services , psychiatry , law
Cambodians in Lowell, Massachusetts, experience significant health disparities. Understanding the trauma they have experienced in Cambodia and as refugees has been the starting point for Lowell Community Health Center's whole community approach to developing community-based interventions. This approach places physical-psychosocial-spiritual needs at the center of focus and is attentive to individual and institutional barriers to care. Interventions are multilevel. The effect of the overall program comes from the results of each smaller program, the collaborations and coordination with the Cambodian community and community-based organizations, and the range and levels of services available through the health center.