Overview

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center has long served as an example of how communities, academic health programs and health practitioners can work together to promote the health and well being of all members of the community. As an extension of this leadership, the Ethnic Health Institute (EHI) was formed to expand opportunities for community outreach and coalition building around chronic disease prevention and health promotion.

EHI is a community service of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, engaged in coordinating health education, research, health provider training and community outreach and awareness for the entire community, with a special focus on the underserved and minority populations.

Local and national studies continue to indicate that minority populations, regardless of socioeconomic status, suffer disproportionately from health conditions that are both preventable and treatable. EHI aims to enrich the quality of life in ethnically and culturally diverse communities by exploring ways to improve health education, inform underserved populations about health issues of special concern to them and then connect those populations to resources in the community.

As part of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s commitment to improve access to health education and healthcare services for all populations, EHI has the potential to become a model for diverse communities throughout the nation.

Target Groups

In order to improve the health of an entire population, groups most at-risk for experiencing above average incidences of chronic disease, death and disability must be targeted.

The Ethnic Health Institute will target the following ethnic groups:

• African American
• Hispanic/Latino
• Asian
• Native American
• Caucasian
• Pacific Islander

Health Initiatives

EHI has conducted a series of health initiatives to improve health education, inform under-served populations about health issues that impact them and connect those in need of services to resources within the community. Each Health Initiative will include a focus on community awareness, health provider training and community education & outreach.

C = Community Awareness

To bring health education, health promotion and disease prevention to populations through educational materials, screenings, forums and the media. EHI is involved with producing and distributing culturally relevant and sensitive health materials and information. The Institute works with existing Alta Bates Summit programs, in particular, Health Ministry, Asian Outreach and Health Access Programs, which have established strong community partnerships. In addition, EHI sponsors two media programs addressing ethnic health issues hosted by Dr. Mike LeNoir, including "Ethnic Health America", which airs on cable TV and "About Health", a weekly radio program on KPFA.

A = Alliances and Community Outreach

Improving the health status of the community by developing community partnerships and collaborations. Taking resources and information to a local level and connecting people to appropriate resources in the community.

R = Research / Outcomes

Identifying appropriate data and information as a basis for measuring the outcomes and effectiveness of EHI coordinated efforts.

E = Education

Improving the information base of and facilitating training for health care providers serving ethnic populations.

EHI Subcommittees

Asthma

EHI Asthma Initiative includes the design and production of culturally sensitive resource guides on asthma management and treatment. EHI has launched an Asthma Day Camp program for minority and underserved children. EHI will host Asthma Community Forums, bring together individuals and organizations involved in the prevention, treatment, education, and policy advocacy relative to asthma.

Cancer

EHI Cancer Initiative is working to promote awareness and early detection of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer for the community at large. Along with a series of symposiums for physicians and health care providers, EHI in collaboration with Markstein Education and Prevention Center, will provide prostate cancer screenings in the Oakland and Berkeley areas.

Diabetes

EHI Diabetes Initiative will include outreach, education, and screening targeted at high risk populations. Additionally, EHI will develop informational brochures on diabetes that are sensitive to the culture, learning style, and education level of a cross section of readers. As well, EHI will provide training for healthcare professionals on culturally appropriate care. Finally, EHI Diabetes Initiative will develop outcome measures designed to assess the effectiveness of its programs and services.

Hypertension

EHI Hypertension Initiative is primarily targeted at the African American and Asian communities, which comprise close to 60% of Alta Bates Summit's primary service area. Hypertension is the leading cause of preventable deaths among African Americans and is a major concern among Asian Americans. In conjunction with the Health Ministry/Parish Nurse Program, and the Health Access/LifeSpan Program, EHI is working with East Bay Area churches to provide blood pressure screenings. EHI also hosts an annual Hypertension Symposium for health care providers.

Organization

As a community service Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, the Ethnic Health Institute operates under the direction and guidance of a local advisory board and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center's Community Relations Staff. The EHI Advisory Board, which is racially, ethnically and professionally diverse is charged with supporting EHI's goals by helping to develop, organize and evaluate its services and projects.

EHI Executive Board Officers

Dr. Frank Staggers, Chairperson
Dr. Michael LeNoir, President
Jill Gruen, Administrative Director of Marketing and Community Relations
Joyce Gray, EHI Program Director