Health Promoters participate in 40 hours of training on health issues pertinent to their communities. RWN uses the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health, which includes physical, social, spiritual, and mental well being. Participants learn about topics such as nutrition, hygiene, mental health, reproductive health, physical health and adaptation of ethnic food to meet their current caloric needs. They also receive training on leadership and community outreach skills that are based on Paulo Freire’s popular education model, which emphasizes participatory learning and sharing.

Following training, Health Promoters provide 12 hours of health education within their own ethnic communities each month. Health Promoters also meet monthly for 3 hours of continuing education where they share stories, discuss community concerns and learn new information.

A comprehensive evaluation conducted in 2007 revealed that participants reduced fat and sugar in meal preparation and increased water, fruit, and vegetable consumption which helped them in losing and maintaining weight loss. Participants were able to significantly lower cholesterol and blood sugar counts. For example, one community member’s cholesterol was 370 and blood sugar 200. After 2 months, the numbers were 270 and 120, respectively. The evaluation also showed that community members were more likely to adapt and continue change in their behavior and attitudes when the Health Promoters themselves were modeling healthy behaviors.

Many refugee women have become more open about discussing depression and other mental health issues. In some cases the Health Promoters have been able to help women change their lifestyles to become more active, more healthy, and adapt to their new environments. In other cases, Health Promoters have referred refugees to professional services, including providing transportation. In all cases, the Health Promoters reported significant improvement and increased happiness and better adjustment both in themselcves and their contacts.

In both November 2007 and 2008, RWN recruited and trained 30 women from 16 countries, living in 15 different states to be a part of the National Health Promoters Training of Trainers Program.

For more information, contact Health Promoters Program Coordinator leadership@riwn.org.