Promotores Seek to Help Latino Men

A new community health services network is trying to reach out to Latino men. Volunteers behind the promotores program say men can be isolated from other Latinos, often arriving in the Pittsburgh area alone to work and send money to their families in their home countries. A Pew Hispanic Center study found men, young people and those with less education were least likely to see a doctor. Promotores would act as community health workers that could help connect Latinos with the services they need.

Francisco Solis says he knows first-hand how confusing the health care system can be for someone who's not native-born and has limited fluency in English. Solis injured himself at his construction job, and almost lost his foot due to confusion over where to go and whether his treatment would be covered by insurance.

Volunteers who are trying to create the promotores network are seeking a grant so that the workers can be compensated. An earlier grant application was rejected for being too broad; that's why the group is focusing this time on Latino men.

Hear the full story that aired on DUQ here.