Vietnamese REACH for Health Initiative (VRHI)

An Effective Practice

Description

The goal of the Vietnamese REACH for Health Initiative (VRHI) is to promote awareness and use of breast and cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese-American women living in Santa Clara County, CA.

In order to reach the target population, VRHI implemented a multimedia campaign and lay health workers conducted outreach activities. In addition, a Pap test clinic that provides patient navigation assistance was initiated, a Pap test registry and reminder system was put into place, and continuing medical education was provided to Vietnamese health care professionals.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the Vietnamese REACH for Health Initiative is to promote awareness and use of breast and cervical cancer screening.

Results / Accomplishments

An evaluation of the various aspects of VRHI showed that 47.7% of women who had never had a Pap test received one after meeting with a lay health worker and 52.1% of participants had a repeat Pap test within 18 months. In addition, after meeting with a lay health worker, 17.9% of participants received a mammogram and 27.9% received a clinical breast exam, compared to 3.9% and 5.1% of women, respectively, who did not meet with a lay health worker.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
University of California, San Francisco
Primary Contact
Khanh Le
Vietnamese Reach for Health Coalition
2201 Walnut Avenue
Suite 300
Fremont, CA 94538
Tel: 510-608-5058
Khanh.Le@cpic.org
http://www.viethealthcoalition.org/
Topics
Health / Cancer
Health / Women's Health
Organization(s)
University of California, San Francisco
Date of publication
2003
Date of implementation
2000
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Santa Clara County, CA
For more details
Target Audience
Women, Racial/Ethnic Minorities