title: Evaluation of a pilot promotora program for Latino forest workers in southern Oregon.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Forest work, an occupation with some of the highest injury and illness rates, is conducted primarily by Latino immigrant workers. This study evaluates a pilot program where promotoras (lay community health educators) provided occupational health and safety trainings for Latino forest workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evaluation methods included a focus group, post-tests, and qualitative feedback.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Community capacity to address working conditions increased through (i) increased leadership and community access to information and resources; and (ii) increased worker awareness of workplace health and safety rights and resources. Fear of retaliation remains a barrier to workers taking action; nevertheless, the promotoras supported several workers in addressing-specific workplace issues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For working conditions to significantly improve, major structural influences need to be addressed. A long-term, organizationally supported promotora program can play a key role in linking and supporting change at the individual, interpersonal and community levels, contributing to and supporting structural change.
authors.affiliation: Labor Occupational Health Program, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California.
authors.forename: Diane E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wilmsen
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sasaki
authors.forename: Dinorah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barton-Antonio
authors.forename: Andrea L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Steege
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D057191:Capacity Building / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D016468:Forestry; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000193:education*; D009922:Oregon; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation
keywords: community capacity; community health worker; forest workers; lay health educator; program evaluation; promotora; social ecological framework; workplace health and safety