In The Community

Browse the list below to see examples of where the GSPH is actively involved in the community.

• Sunwise

  A Sun Safety Project for Letter Carriers, is a 4-year randomized controlled study funded by the National Cancer Institute (Joni Mayer, Principal Investigator). As part of this project, U.S.Postal Service letter carriers at all San Diego postal stations and some stations in Riverside and Palm Springs received free, wide-brim hats that were specially designed for the study; free, easy access to broad-spectrum sunscreen; regular reminders to use hats and sunscreen; and education on sun safety. As a result of this program, the level of sun safety behaviors increased significantly. The letter carriers appreciated this program, since they receive a large amount of sun exposure while on the job.

• Best for Baby

  Promoting Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure Reduction and Tobacco Cessation: A pediatric effectiveness trial

  Best for Baby Project (Melbourne F. Hovell, Principal Investigator), supported by The American Heart Association, is focused on behavioral methods to intervene in reducing children's exposure from environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The primary aim of this study (a randomized trial) is to determine the effectiveness of prompting physicians to deliver brief counseling to help patient families protect their children from ETS exposure. Mothers with children under five years old exposed to ETS in the home were recruited through multiple Women's, Infants and Children's Nutrition Program (WIC) sites and assigned at random to one of two groups: those receiving usual medical care versus those who received behavioral counseling service provided in the home. The patient's physicians received training material and results of lab tests reflecting ETS exposure levels. Mothers were given the lab results also and incentives to communicate about the implications of these findings with their child's physician. This study helps physicians and parents reduce environmental risks to children through education and medical services intervention.

• Por La Vida

  Health Promotion in the Latino Community

  The Por La Vida Program has been serving the Latino community of San Diego for 17 years with a range of health education/health promotion projects.

  The projects utilize "consejeras" or lay community health workers to conduct small group educational and skill building sessions on health issues: cardiovascular risk reduction (Mujeres Decididas), tobacco use prevention (Luchando Contra El Uso de Tabaco), Cancer Screening and Prevention (Darnos Cuenta), Breast Cancer Education (Cuidandome), Nutrition and Cancer (La Nutricion Y El Cancer, La Mujer Y El Cancer), and Family Communication, Parenting Skills and Community Resources(Familias Saludables).

  250 consejeras have been recruited, trained and returned to their communities to conduct the educational sessions. More than 7,000 Latinas, their families and learning partners have been reached by the various programs. Significant changes in knowledge, attitudes, and positive health behaviors have been documented. Each project has produced a distinct training manual for the consejeras in English and Spanish.

  The Por La Vida Program has been recognized over the years with several national and state awards and recognition for its contribution to improving the health of the San Diego Latino community.

• Prevention Research Center

  The GSPH is currently working with the San Ysidro Health Center (SYHC) and UCSD on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded Prevention Research Center. One of 33 in the country, the center serves to promote health and prevent chronic disease through the promotion of moderate physical activity among adults and vigorous activity among children. This is a five year effort which will also enhance in-house skills in research and evaluation at the Health Center. Already a large and highly respected primary care provider in the predominately Latino community, SYHC will strengthen its funding base and options through this collaboration.

• California Distance Learning Health Network (CDLHN)

  Continuing Education for Health Care Professionals - Monthly Satellite Downlinks

  CDLHN hosts monthly downlinks for public health and safety providers in the San Diego area. These downlinks are held at the CDLHN office and provide attendees with access to the latest public health and bioterrorism preparedness information. This activity also provides a venue to network and foster collaborations.

  Community Services

  CDLHN is a member of the California Coalition for Childhood Immunization (C3I), a statewide coalition. CDLHN also produces the coalition's quarterly Bear Tracks Newsletter and Brochure.

  CDLHN is an active member of the San Diego County Immunization Coalition (I-3) Education and Outreach Committee, which focuses on childhood immunization issues in San Diego County. CDLHN maintains an active working relationship with local radio, television and newspaper media outlets to encourage them to run relevant and appropriate health care messages to the community related to immunization information and issues at no cost. CDLHN partnered with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services, Immunization Program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization, and U.S. Mexico Border Health Commission on four cross border immunization events in April 2004. The events included 1/2 day physician forums and children's activities at early childhood venues in Tijuana and San Diego. Activities focused on vaccine information and policy changes critical to the border region. CDLHN coordinated all four events including event planning, media relations, and promotions. CDLHN partnered with the California Coalition for Childhood Immunization (C3I), the California Department of Health Services and other organizations to stage a series of educational events for the National Infant Immunization Week and Toddler Immunization program involving hundreds of California children in 2003 and 2004. CDLHN coordinated the statewide efforts.

  CDLHN collaborated with the US - Mexico Border Health Commission during Immunization Week in the Americas in August 2004 to promote childhood immunizations across the Western Hemisphere. In San Diego, CDLHN assisted in the press conference and visit from US Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona.