The Indigena Health and Wellness Collaborative is a partnership between the Instituto Familiar de la Raza and Asociacion Mayab, whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous families in San Francisco.
The Indigena Health and Wellness Collaborative of San Francisco believes that maintaining our culture and traditions is a way to stay healthy and connected to our community. Our program promotes social activities as well as spiritual and cultural ceremonies that help participating families reaffirm their Indigenous identity, connect with their community, and feel proud of their roots. The program also offers health education services, referrals for healthcare and social services, and counseling and financial support for families in the event of an emergency. A team of health promoters offer these services in a variety of Maya languages including Cho’l, Quiche’, Tzeltal, and Yucatec Maya.
Culture. We create and support spiritual activities, traditional celebrations and artistic activities that help maintain mental, spiritual, family, and social health.
Community Health. A team of health promoters are located across strategic sites where they provide information and referrals to persons in need of health and social services.
Mental Health. A mental health worker is available to provide emotional support, brief orientation, and referrals to agencies where people can receive individual and family therapy. Our program receives support from therapists and social workers at the Instituto Familiar de la Raza.
Education and Support Groups. We offer group activities so that families can learn about various health-related topics, such as stress, sexuality, alcoholism, diabetes, etc. Other groups incorporate cultural elements like embroidery and traditional dance.
PHOTOS FROM THE PROGRAMA DE PROMOTORES GRADUATION 2009-2010