Latina Services

When the Latino population began to grow in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, it became evident that Latinas were more comfortable with services that were sensitive to the culture of their communities. Therefore, The Perinatal Council entered into a partnership with the Latino Leadership Council of Contra Costa to develop a strategic plan that identified the health needs and priorities of the Latino community in Contra Costa County. That effort produced a planning document that is being used as a roadmap for enhancing services throughout the county.

The Perinatal Council also responded to the need with two specific programs-the Healthy Families Project and the Delta Family Resource Center in Brentwood. These programs have helped to break down the language and cultural barriers that sometimes keep Latino families from receiving important social services.

Both Perinatal Council programs link low-income Latino families to affordable health, dental, and vision plans that will help them maintain their health and provide care when they are ill. The programs also help Latinas find pregnancy care and other healthcare and social services, such as housing and education programs.

Because they speak the same language, live in the same communities, and understand their neighbors' concerns about government assistance programs, we have hired Latina mothers of young children to conduct enrollment and outreach activities. These outreach workers, called "Comadres," help clients determine their eligibility for various programs and assist them in completing application forms. Comadres stay in continual contact with the family, identifying the need for additional services and becoming a constant, trusted source of assistance to Latina clients.

To contact the Healthy Families Project, please call (510) 903-7545 in Alameda County or (925) 516-3880 in Contra Costa County.