Organizational Change: Cambridge Health Alliance
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The Cambridge Health Alliance in Cambridge, MA serves the culturally diverse communities of Cambridge and Somerville, as well as other "immigrant gateway" communities near Boston. It is a unique model that incorporates public health, clinical care, academic programs, and research. Over 300 volunteer health advisors from these culturally diverse communities have been trained and provided with continuing education by the Alliance's Community Affairs Department since 2001. These advisors collectively speak 16 different languages and represent the local Haitian, Brazilian, Latino, South Asian, African-American, and African communities. Advisors receive an initial 20 hours of training prior to becoming an advisor. There is ongoing education to keep advisors up-to-date on health information and resources. In addition, advisors can opt to receive extra training in order to specialize in health topics such as nutrition and wellness, breast health, research, and diabetes.
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Currently program staff and over 120 advisors work collaboratively with churches and community organizations to organize health fairs, educational events and health screenings, provide basic health education in disease prevention and wellness, and educate community members about services.
The Cambridge Health Alliance also has a patient and family advisory group specific for the Haitian population. Clinic signs are all in four languages and artwork in corridors and public spaces reflects the diversity of cultures served. Patient and family informational materials and community educational programs are offered in many languages.