Chronic Disease Management Class Empowers Patients to Take Control of Their Health

SALUD participants and MAPPR Team Members at one of the "Tomando Control de Su Salud" sessions

Patients at a clinic in Charlotte are taking control of their own health, with some guidance from MAPPR and other medical workers.  UNC School of Medicine student, MAPPR team member, and Schweizter Fellow Rebecca Flint developed a program called SALUD (Support and Awareness for Latinos Undertaking Disease management).   Flint, who is leading the project, created it as part of her year-long Schweitzer Fellowship.  With the help of Research Coordinator Brisa Hernandez, SALUD is being implemented at Our Lady of Guadalupe health clinic.  The program is targeted at Spanish speaking, uninsured adults with chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and/or obesity.    Participants are taught ways to take an active role in improving their health and the steps they can initiate to achieve personal fitness goals. 

The first 6-week series is entitled “Tomando Control de Su Salud (Taking Control of Your Health)”, and participants get to hear from trained health care leaders about topics like diet, nutrition and personal health.  The patients work together to set personal goals, support each other and share their experiences.  Medical workers use in-depth surveys and various medical evaluations and tests to assess progress being made, and provide further guidance. 

Thus far, the program seems to be a success.  Not only are the patients gaining knowledge on methods to progress towards their goals, but they have built relationships that support their efforts to stay healthy.

“They are striving for the good not only of themselves, but their families, the fellow participants, and their community as a whole,” says Rebecca Flint.  “They are taking a chance at making change in the face of so many barriers and the potential for failure.  But it is the love, compassion and joy that they share with the group that pushes them to succeed.”

Participation in the classes has also improved access to healthcare overall – as patients get to work with medical staff and clinicians.  For more information on SALUD, please contact Rebecca Flint at rebecca_flint@med.unc.edu.