Release date: April 2, 2009
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) announces the award of a grant of $35,000 from the Spirit Mountain Community Fund. The grant will pilot a model to improve the health of African elders by addressing the roots of a problem specific to immigrant and refugee African elders: social and cultural isolation.
The project will provide education geared specifically towards the betterment of the non-native elders' environment while they acclimate into U.S., and will increase their physical and social well-being as they strive for self-sufficiency.
"Supporting self-sufficiency is a top priority for both IRCO and the Spirit Mountain Community Fund," stated IRCO's executive director, Sokhom Tauch. "Both organizations also place a high value on partnership and creative approaches to root problems."
The goals of the program are to (1) enhance access to preventative health care, (2) improve their understanding of U.S. health care, and (3) increase social community engagement for underserved African elders living in Multnomah County.
Partnering with student nurses from the OHSU and Linfield Schools of Nursing and health educators from the Multnomah County Health Development, weekly culturally and linguistically accessible group presentations will be made on health issues (e. g. diabetes, cancer, heart diseases); health screenings will be conducted (e.g. blood pressure, vision and hearing checks); and health services like exercise sessions and flu shots will be offered.
Spirit Mountain Community Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Each year the Tribe invests $4 million in project to support the betterment of neighboring communities and citizens. "Being a relocated Tribe, we are supportive and encouraging of other communities that face the challenges of relocation. Elders are revered members of our community and we recognize the special need our elders face in times of change," said Director Shelly Hanson. For more information about Spirit Mountain Community Fund, visit their website at
www.thecommunityfund.com
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