12/13/2005 - 20:38:38
A Mutual Assistant Association
P.O. Box 330513
West Hartford, CT 06133-0513
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NEWS RELEASE
The Lao Association of Connection, Inc. (LAC) Receives $75,000 to Identify Health Issues in Greater Hartford and Bridgeport Communities
Group to use Community-Driven Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Strategy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Howard H. Phengsomphone, Date: November 21, 2005 Executive Director
Phone: 860-523-8340 Email: laoact@sbcglobal.net
West Hartford, CT --The Lao Association of Connecticut, Inc. (LAC) announced recently a three-year $75,000 grant from the Connecticut Health Foundation to improve the health status of the Laos community using community-driven, culturally specific health promotion and risk reduction strategies.
In its first year, LAC will conduct community health survey to identify the diseases that cause premature death among Lao-Americans in Connecticut. Once the diseases have been identified, an “awareness system”, which members can access, will be developed as a resource to educate themselves about healthy lifestyles that prevent premature death. In addition, workshops on cross-cultural diversity and language translation will be offered to community residents and health providers.
“Lao-Americans have difficulty assimilating into the mainstream health care systems, and consequently, do not utilize these healthcare delivery systems because of their widespread concerns and cultural beliefs,” says Howard Phengsomphone, executive director of the LAC.
Lack of culturally appropriate programs, or bicultural staff, lack of trust, and differences in cultural beliefs and practices regarding illnesses--especially with respect to mental illness, all contribute to their limited use of the mainstream healthcare system. Other reasons for not using the mainstream health delivery system include the shame and embarrassment in revealing
GRANT AWARD/ADD 2
their problems to authority figures--a result of trauma associated with war and dislocation. Traditionally, spiritual and village leaders are called upon to solve health problems within the community—making the transition to mainstream healthcare services—even more challenging.
With the help of its committed Board members and staff—who are ready to reach out to the community—the Lao Association will be able to effectively disseminate information. “It’s important that we work with diverse groups such as health professionals, community leaders, pagoda, and members of the community to increase awareness about premature death in our community,” said Dr. Norinth, President of the Lao Association of the Connecticut.
The Connecticut Health Foundation, established in 1999, is the state’s largest independent, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to improving the health of the people of Connecticut through systemic change, program innovation, and health policy analysis in the areas of racial and ethnic health disparities, children’s mental health, and oral health.
The Lao Association of Connecticut, Inc., is a community-based, nonprofit membership organization, established in 1980, to assist new refugees from Laos to adapt to a new life in America. Its mission is to unify Laotian Americans, and to help improve the quality of life of its members in areas of need to include: education, employment, citizenship, health services, youth and family services, cultural preservation, translation, advocacy, civic participation and other referral services.