July 2009 In this issue Dust Off Your Walking or Running Shoes The Health Trust Honors Heroes for Our HIV/AIDS Clients Innovative Partnership Provides Healthy Food to Homebound Seniors Diversity in the Health Professions Starts in the Classroom Promotoras Play Valuable Role Providing Health Education to Diverse Communities __________ Key Dates 7/23 Disparities and Health Series See all Health Trust Events

Dust Off Your Walking or Running Shoes and Support The Health Trust!

Get in shape and have fun this summer for three upcoming events this fall!

Beginning on September 7, 2009, join us at the Run for a Healthy World, a five or 10 kilometer race to benefit The Health Trust Meals On Wheels Program.  For more information on the race or to register, visit http://www.worldrunners.org/.

Health  Trust employees (from left) Erika Zuñiga, Mario Tercero, and Judy Lu join in the 2008 Walk for AIDS.

Stay in shape during September and October so that you may join us again on October 17 for the 20th Anniversary Silicon Valley Walk for AIDS.  This 5.2 mile walk begins and ends in Downtown San Jose (Discovery Meadows), and partial proceeds go to benefit The Health Trust AIDS Services.  To make a pledge or to register for the walk, click here to join The Health Trust team!

Your training can culminate on October 25th with the Dean Karnazes Silicon Valley Marathon. Save 10% on the registration fee by using the code "tht10" and for each participant that uses this code, $5 will be donated to The Health Trust.  The race is for runners and walkers of all skill levels, as distances include the marathon, half marathon and 5k run/walk.  To register, visit http://www.svmarathon.com/. 

For more information on these events, keep updated at http://www.healthtrust.org/ or email us at info@healthtrust.org. 
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The Health Trust Honors Heroes for Our HIV/AIDS Clients

Special thank you extended to Santa Clara County Supervisors Liz Kniss and Ken Yeager

The Health Trust honors the following HIV/AIDS heroes (from left): Dane Duggan, Polly Meyer, Kay Harbal, Supervisor Liz Kniss, Jerry Larsen, Frederick J. Ferrer, and Pastor Jon Talbert.

On June 18, The Health Trust honored leaders in the HIV/AIDS community to recognize their exceptional leadership; Supervisor Liz Kniss, Supervisor Ken Yeager, Assemblymember Jim Beall, Dane Duggan of Silicon Valley AIDS Leadership Center, longtime Health Trust volunteer Jerry Larsen, and the leaders of Westgate Church. Each received a Hero Award to thank them for their tireless commitment to people living with HIV/AIDS this past year. Health Trust CEO Frederick J. Ferrer extended a special thank you to Supervisor Kniss and Supervisor Yeager for helping restore some of the county funding for The Neil A. Christie Living Center.
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Innovative Partnership Provides Healthy Food to Homebound, Frail, and Low Income Seniors

It is a highly effective partnership: one organization has food, the other has the means to deliver it to the homebound.  The Health Trust Meals On Wheels program is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara County and San Mateo County to deliver weekly nutritious groceries to homebound seniors in downtown San Jose, Gilroy, San Martin, and Morgan Hill. 

The Health Trust Meals On Wheels program delivers nearly 100,000 meals annually to homebound adults.

A current Health Trust Meals On Wheels client mentioned, "I would survive on leftovers and not eat properly (without Meals On Wheels) because I cannot go to the store...I cannot afford to buy groceries so I would be in trouble."

Second Harvest Food Bank provides weekly bags of groceries consisting of 75% fresh fruits and vegetables which are delivered to homebound seniors by The Health Trust Meals On Wheels volunteers.  Meals On Wheels began the partnership with Second Harvest in March delivering to 26 low income clients.  The program plans to expand distribution to all Health Trust Meals On Wheels clients in Santa Clara County in the future. 

To learn more about this program or to volunteer, call 1-800-505-3367 or email us at mow@healthtrust.org. 
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Diversity in the Health Professions Starts in the Classroom:  A Prescription for Improving Health Equity in Silicon Valley

It has been proven that more diversity in health professions leads to better health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority residents.  In an upstream measure to achieve health equity in Silicon Valley, The Health Trust has launched a Speaker's Bureau where health professionals present to local classrooms in hopes of influencing students from different backgrounds to pursue a career in the health and medical fields.   

An Evergreen Valley nursing student speaks in front of a crowd at Mt. Pleasant High School to educate students on the career opportunities as health professionals.

Numerous national studies have revealed that racial and ethnic minority health professionals are more likely to serve in diverse, low income communities, and treat indigent patients who typically have worse health outcomes. Racial and ethnic minority patients generally report receiving a higher quality of care as a result of their stronger cultural competence.

Students who participated in The Health Trust’s program gave their speakers high marks, and indicated they were more interested in pursuing a career in the health professions, after listening to the speaker.

The Health Trust is always recruiting new volunteers for the Speaker's Bureau; if you work in the health professions, please contact ThuyL@healthtrust.org.
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Promotoras Play Valuable Role Providing Information, Health Education to Diverse Audiences in Santa Clara County

On June 30, The Health Trust honored the service of its 15 promotoras, community health workers who teach and share health education information in a wide variety of diverse local neighborhoods. Health Trust promotoras frequently teach classes in familiar settings such as homes or community centers. Topics include everything from effective tooth brushing habits for children to the importance of colorectal screening for men. They also teach classes about how to manage chronic diseases and assist with outreach at community events.

Health Trust Promotoras were recognized on June 30 for their efforts providing health education to Silicon Valley residents.

Offered in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese, promotoras are able to connect with local communities.  Many come from the communities they serve or they themselves have had personal experience with the topic. They are often able to reach people who might otherwise have no real connection to the health care system.

Health Trust Promotoras have delivered more than 1,000 volunteer hours since 2008!
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