The Grameen Promotoras Program Scales its Impact to Provide More Women Entrepreneurs with Health Education and Access to Quality Care
The Grameen Promotoras program provides Grameen America members with health education, access to care, and direct support to overcome the barriers that women of color face when accessing healthcare. Low-income women of color are disproportionately affected by diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other chronic health conditions, yet many of these health concerns go untreated due to high cost. As of July 1, 2023, former sister organization Grameen PrimaCare and its Promotoras program will now exist as a unified entity with Grameen America to create a stronger platform for building healthier lives and empowering women-owned businesses.
Since 2016, Grameen America and Grameen PrimaCare have worked alongside each other to deliver health education, resources, and provide health system navigation to low-income women across the country. The joining of the two organizations signals a shared mission to improve women’s health outcomes and reach even more low-income women with direct health support.
Promotoras, Spanish for community health workers, are hired from within the communities they serve to promote health and wellness through a non-clinical, culturally competent approach. The highly trained health specialists work directly with Grameen America members to create individualized health plans, provide access to free or low-cost quality care with vetted local providers, assess risk of disease, and navigate the health system.
“It is clear that better health outcomes can lead to thriving businesses and healthier communities. The Promotoras program not only advances equitable access to affordable, quality healthcare, but also strengthens financial security. Incorporating the Promotoras program into Grameen America will provide a remarkable opportunity to make an even bigger impact on the lives of women, fostering their well-being and fueling their entrepreneurial success.”
Meritxell Roca, Director of Programs, Grameen Promotoras
29,000+ WOMEN
SERVED NATIONWIDE
The Promotoras program currently serves more than 29,000 women in locations across communities in the Bronx, NY, Jackson Heights, NY, Upper Manhattan/Inwood, NY, Charlotte, NC, Connecticut, and most recently, Long Island City, NY and Woodside, NY. To date, the Promotoras program has made over 66,000 health or social service referrals, delivered more than 26,000 educational workshops, and completed over 12,000 individualized health plans for members.
Promotoras Deliver Weekly Health Workshops
The Promotoras run virtual health education workshops in Grameen America’s weekly Center Meetings on topics including women’s health, diabetes and other chronic conditions, emotional health, nutrition, and parenting. This year, the Promotoras began offering virtual Know Your Risk assessments, such as a diabetes risk test, to help educate and counsel women on various chronic health conditions.
