Binational Health Week (BHW) is one of the largest mobilization efforts of federal and state government agencies, non-governmental organizations and volunteers in the Americas to improve the health and well being of the underserved Latino population living in the United States, Canada and Mexico. BHW was initiated in 2001 and is an annual weeklong series of health promotion and health education activities. The Health Initiative of the Americas (formerly California-Mexico Health Initiative), of the University of California Office of the President, is the lead coordinating agency.
Abundantia was the evaluator for BHW 2006. The evaluation identified the process of networking and resource mobilization, and analyzed its impact on improving the health of Mexican and other Latino migrants/immigrants. Areas evaluated in 2006 include access to quality care, networking, training and technical assistance, and policy. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through surveys, online tracking, post-tests, facilitated evaluation discussions, and phone interviews.
Results showed that BHW 2006 reached 300,000 participants through 1,000 activities in 31 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, and 3 Canadian provinces. Resources mobilized included 5,000 volunteers, 1,500 agencies, and $1million. Activities included 250 health fairs and 80 mobile clinics, and addressed a wide range of health topics. A nationwide survey at health fairs in the U.S. revealed that 25% of participants indicated this was the first time they had seen a doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker and/or received health information in the U.S.; and approximately 40% reported not having health insurance.
