how to deal with latino data: a guide for montgomery county service providers a community based...
TRANSCRIPT
How to Deal with Latino Data:A Guide for Montgomery County Service Providers
A Community Based StrategyFor Reducing Health Disparities
Latino Health InitiativeMontgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Maryland
Presented by: Graciela Jaschek, MPH; Eduardo Pezo, MPH, JD/MA Candidate (WCL)
Latino Health Initiative Background History
In July 2000, Latino community leaders formed the Latino Health Initiative (LHI) with support of the County Executive and County Council
In August 2000, the Latino Health Steering Committee (LHSC) was formed to advocate for Latino health
Latino Health Steering Committee (LHSC)
The LHSC is composed of 16 volunteer professionals and community leaders that work at the national, state and local levels
LHSC members work as a team to provide expert guidance and technical assistance to the LHI and to advocate on behalf of Latino communities
Latino Health Initiative Goals
Address health disparities by developing and implementing a plan of action
Engage in an ongoing community based participatory process to determine the major health priorities in the community that need to be addressed
Results of a Community Based Participatory Process
In February 2002, the Blueprint for Latino Health 2002-2006 was released
The Blueprint is for policy and decision makers to develop responsive medical care and public health systems that address the basic needs of the community
An updated Blueprint for Latino Health will be released in February 2008
Latino Data Workgroup
In 2002, the LDW was created to improve the collection, analysis, and reporting of health data for Latinos (Blueprint Priority Area A)
Composed of 9 volunteer professionals who work in Federal government, academia, and the private sector
Latino Data Issues
Lack of data (ex: MD Vital Statistics) Under-representation of latinos (ex:
surveys done by phone, in English) Under-reporting of data (ex: combining sub-
populations, foreign-born/US-born) Lack of completeness Lack of accuracy
How to Deal with Latino Data
In December 2006, the How to Deal with Latino Data Guide is released
How to Deal with Latino Data: Purpose
The Guide is meant to be used by professionals
The Guide is meant to help entities improve data collection, analysis, and reporting efforts
How to Deal with Latino Data: Demographics
Latinos in the United States:Largest and fastest growing minority In 2004, there were 41 million LatinosLatinos will grow from 14% to 24% of
the total population by 2050*64% Mexican, 15% Caribbean, 13%
Central and South America*** 2005 American Community Survey ** 2006 American Community Survey
How to Deal with Latino Data: Demographics
Latinos in Montgomery County Fastest growing minority population* In 2005 Latinos were 14% of the total
county population* 67% Central and South America, 12%
Caribbean, 10% Mexico**
* 2005 American Community Survey Data ** 2006 American Community Survey
How to Deal with Latino Data: Demographics ctd.
The MC Latino population is similar to other Latino populations in the U.S. The Latino population in MC is young (28.5) Latino households are large (3.83) Most Latino households are families (83%) Most Latinos speak a language other than
English at home (90%) Latinos face many economic challenges* 2005 American Community Survey
How to Deal with Latino Data: Community Assets
Richness in diversityLatinos seek the American dream too
Many skilled professionals Strong social and community networks Untapped potential for community
leadership Well developed Spanish media
How to Deal with Latino Data: Cultural Considerations
Cultural factors: Strong core values Strong family ties Importance of the personal rather than
the institutional Face to face communication preference Fatalistic attitude about disease
How to Deal with Latino Data: Linguistic Considerations
Linguistic factors: Spanish is one language Not everyone who speaks Spanish can
be a translator or interpreter Translations (written text) Interpreters (oral communications)
How to Deal with Latino Data: Collecting Data from Latinos
Go to the experts: Latinos themselves Trust from the community is key Research methods: there are several
options Considerations for survey design,
administration, and analysisTips for developing and administering forms
and surveysTips for analyzing and reporting collected data
How to Deal with Latino Data: Take-Home Messages
Learn as much as possible about your local Latino community and their contributions
Take the risk to learn new information Train those collecting information about
Latino cultural and language nuances Do not rely on stereotypes Ensure data gathering is conducted with
methodological rigor, integrity, and patience
Lessons Learned
The community knows the solutionCommunity generated information is
credibleData are vital to any communityCultural and linguistic issues need to
be considered for collection, analysis and dissemination of data
Latino Health InitiativeContact Information
LHI Offices
240-777-3221
Website
www.lhiinfo.org