Grameen Promotoras Expands Operations to Provide Health Access and Education to 5 Communities
Grameen America is excited to share that members in 5 branches now have access to Grameen PrimaCare’s community health worker program, Grameen Promotoras. This specialized initiative for Grameen America members provides underserved women from low-income, immigrant communities with a health promotion and empowerment program that utilizes community health workers in a non-clinical setting.
As part of the Promotoras program, community health workers, known as Promotoras, specialize in conducting health-related workshops at regularly scheduled weekly Grameen America Center Meetings. During this time, Promotoras work directly with participating members to create individualized health plans, collect biomarkers such as blood pressure levels and A1C measurements, make referrals to local providers, and help with healthcare system navigation.
Since first piloted in the Bronx in 2016, Grameen Promotoras program has expanded to the New York City branch in Jackson Heights as well as two branches in Charlotte, NC and, most recently, in Connecticut.
Together, Grameen America and Grameen PrimaCare believe that the link between personal health and financial independence is undeniable:
16 million women live in poverty in the US
Individuals with high financial stress are 2X more likely to report poor health overall and are 4X more likely to suffer from ailments
34% of people with household incomes of less than $24,000 reported not seeking care due to cost
20% of Latinx and 11% of Black American adults are uninsured and lack healthcare coverage
To date, Grameen Promotoras has served over 17,000 women and their families – bringing vital access to health workshops and referrals. The program has produced the following impact:
60% increase in access to primary care providers
45% increase in breast cancer screenings
700 educational workshops delivered monthly
47% increase in fruit & vegetable intake
42% reduction in sugary drinks consumption
100% participant satisfaction
About Grameen Primacare
Grameen Promotoras envisions a world where access to high-quality, affordable and comprehensive healthcare is a reality for all people. Our mission is to provide underserved women from low-income immigrant communities with a health promotion and empowerment program that utilizes a community health worker model to create healthier lives.
Grameen PrimaCare’s new website is a hub to learn more about the Promotoras program, hear the stories of the women we serve, see key outcome and impact metrics and how to support the continued expansion of the program to additional Grameen America locations across the US.