Right now, I am working with a public health organization called EPES (Educación Popular en Salud, which translates to Popular Education in Health). I wrote a little blurb about EPES back in October, outlining the basics as I knew them at the point, and posted a link to the website. I'll skip the reiteration of things I posted previously, and instead, give a rundown of what I've been up to in the past month, what's going on this week, and prospects for what may happen in the future.
The past month: I've spent a lot of time working on data bases (aka deciphering, fixing, adding and subtracting contact info) for various projects at EPES.
I attended the "Women, Health and Leadership" workshop for women living in the communities around EPES. This was an interesting opportunity to learn from the women what some of their community health concerns are and how their understanding of the social determinants of health can affect their ability to find feasible solutions for health related issues.
I have also been working with the health education team that is training rural health post paramedics in community organizing and assessment techniques. I have assisted with one of the 2-day workshops so far, and have been helping compile the information from the workshop into a formal document for review.
Right now: EPES is spearheading a smoking cessation project. We are holding a meeting next week to present the results of a survey that will summarize each presidential candidate's stand on current smoking policies and possible future changes. The meeting will also serve as the first attempt at forming a network of organizations working to provide smoking cessation resources.
This Wednesday, 11/25/09, there is a national mobilization to stop violence against women. EPES will be attending the rally, and we have spent the past few days making phone calls, dropping information off at health offices and passing out flyers to women in the markets and ferias. There is also an event being held this Saturday to present a mural in El Bosque supporting the end of violence against women.
Tomorrow morning, there is a meeting about the treatment and prevention of obesity and diabetes being held at EPES. Dr. Kuhn, from the CDC, will be present and will lead a major part of the dialogue session. Tomorrow evening, we are having "onces" with Karen's mother-in-law, a well-know human rights lawyer.
Future Prospects: The smoking cessation project will continue to provide opportunities for involvement, as will workshops with the health education team. I am hoping to get more involved with the violence against women projects. Karen has also asked us to assist with the international school being held January 3-14 in Santiago and Concepción. This will be a great way to learn more about EPES, its mission, work, and vision, as well as meet like-minded people from around the world.
There are probably a ton of things I'm forgetting, but this is most of what fills my days. Cheers to Real Life Santiago.
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