HEARTS & LIVES

PROMOTORES DE SALUD

Who Are Promotores de Salud (Community Health Workers):

Promotores are health educators who promote mental health in their own community. They provide leadership, peer education, support and resources to promote community empowerment. We are not expected to know all the answers but to offer the resources to assist in someone's well-being.

Promotores integrate information about mental health and the Mental Health care system into the community's culture, language and value system, with the goal of reducing many of the barriers to accessing mental health services. They also work with health care systems to make sure community needs are heard and met. In most cities of San Bernardino County there are clinics, health care providers and specialists that can help people overcome their mental health troubles or help them learn how to cope with their problems Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotions or behaviors (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses can cause or lead to distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.

With the appropriate resources, training and support, Promotores improve the mental health of their communities by:

1) linking their neighbors to health care and social services,

2) educating their peers about early signs of mental health illnesses

3) working to make available services more accessible and mobilizing their communities to create a positive change.

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a medical problem, just like heart disease or diabetes.

Early Warning Signs:

 • Self-esteem issues

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Memory problems

• Anger

• Fear

• Denial

• Irritability

• Nightmares

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Promotores conduct outreach and mental health education in various settings: clients' homes, community centers, clinics, hospitals, schools, worksites, and shelters.