Somali Community Access Network: SomaliCANSomali Community Access Network: SomaliCAN

Project Title: Health Awareness and Literacy (HAL)
Somali refugees did not have the necessary navigational skills needed to utilize the complex healthcare system effectively. They face cultural, financial and language barriers. Their access to healthcare services is limited. Likewise, healthcare providers were not prepared to serve more than 50,000 new Americans from Somalia who live in Central Ohio. Providers face many challenges in trying to communicate effectively with Somali patients.

The role of the Health Awareness and Literacy program is to bridge the above gap by providing health literacy and resources to the Somali community while educating healthcare providers about Somali culture and practical ways for engaging Somali patients.

Deliverables:

-Provide health literacy information and resources to 120 Somalis in Columbus.
-Provide cultural competence training and information to 80 healthcare professionals.
-Train four community health workers to provide health literacy