Health & Wellness

Health Disparities Intervention Program

The Health Disparities Program is a three-year initiative in collaboration with the Fresno County Department of Public Health, working closely with community partners to deliver care coordination services, outreach initiatives, and referrals. The primary aim of this program is to diminish health disparities and promote health equity through prevention and educational efforts that adhere to culturally and linguistically appropriate standards (CLAS). This initiative enhances community health and wellness, supports health literacy, and provides access to resources and comprehensive services. Community Health Workers utilize the Care Coordination System and the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Assessment to effectively manage care services by addressing all the contributing factors to overall health such as housing, quality jobs, safe environments, transportation, education, access to food, healthcare and family planning.

Family Advocacy Services

Family Advocacy Services represents a collaborative effort between the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health and Reading and Beyond. The main role of the Family Advocate is to aid families and support networks in managing the mental health challenges of their loved ones by offering information, education, and support. Furthermore, Family Advocacy Services offer guidance and support to families and their support networks during their engagement with mental health service providers, aiming to enhance and solidify these relationships. Through these efforts, FAS aims to enhance awareness and understanding of mental health illnesses and to cultivate a society that is more compassionate and inclusive.

Family Advocacy Services can assist in several ways:

• Educate, listen and work to raise awareness of concerns, challenges, and barriers, enabling individuals or families to become self-reliant and equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves.
• Empower individuals, families, or support persons to direct their own recovery and resilience plans, and encourage their participation in all levels of supportive services.
• Connect individuals, families or support persons with services that meet their needs.

GLOW!

The Glow Group Prenatal Care and Support Program is an innovative and comprehensive model that incorporates wrap-around services with enhanced prenatal care. Glow! aims to encourage, equip, and empower moms-to-be in Fresno County. This program is rooted in a deep sense of community where women can feel supported and learn from one another while learning from their provider and receiving respectful prenatal care in a positive manner.

Moms-to-be receives personalized attention, ensuring that her unique needs and those of her baby are met with compassion and expertise. GLOW! emphasize the importance of community support. Regular group sessions are held where expectant mothers can share their experiences, ask questions, and build friendships. These sessions are designed to foster a sense of belonging and emotional well-being, which is important during this transformative period. In addition to medical care and support groups, Glow offer a range of educational workshops which topics include prenatal nutrition, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding techniques, and newborn care. These workshops empower mothers with knowledge and confidence, helping them to make informed decisions for themselves and their babies.

Glow also extends support beyond birth, with postpartum follow-ups and continued access to resources. This holistic approach ensures that both mother and child receive the best start possible, laying the foundation for a healthy and happy future.