Promotora (health promoter) training sessions occurred in Pto. Palomas, Chihuahua, MX on June 6-8. The trainer team of medical experts traveled to Palomas to equip a group of 12 local trainees to engage their community to work together at the grassroots level to promote a healthy environment and raise community health standards .
The six session program began on the first day with an introduction to the working of health promoters and a consideration of what factors determine the health of a community. After lunch, participants learned about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity. The trainers led a fun session of aerobic exercise.
The following morning began with a group exercise followed by a presentation on the elements of good personal hygiene and basic sanitation for the community. Trainees formed three team, each of which prepared a presentation about a different element of hygiene: personal, home or community hygiene. After time to prepare a poster, each group presented their ideas to the group. At the end of the morning, the trainers presented information about the booklets that are used in Mexico to track an individual’s health information.
That afternoon a presentation about preventing addictions to tobacco, alcohol and drugs was followed by a “Jeopardy” type game using questions about drugs, alcohol and tobacco use and addiction.
The final training day covered the prevention of traffic accidents and considered mental health with a good individual exercise looking over one’s life for the good and the bad events that had been influential. The final session was on responsible sexuality. After a presentation of information, three groups were challenged to develop a poster and presentation about a related topic.
The trainees valued their experience and look forward to addressing issues that negatively affect Palomas health. The issue of debris and the prompt removal of dead animals in the town may be a potential first concerted effort for the new promotoras.
The principal promotora trainer was Dra. Elisa Aguilar Jimenez, Coordinadora Oficina Chihuahua from Comision de Salud Fronteriza Mx-EU. She was assisted by Enf. Sigifredo Pena Flores, Coordinator of Promotion of Health, State of Chihuahua, MX; Lic. Estella Aizpuru Gardea, Coordinator of School and Health Programs, State of Chihuahua, MX; and Lic. Liliana G. Trejo Rodríguez, Adjunct Coordinator of School and Health Programs, State of Chihuahua, MX.