The Promotorx programs improve sexual health outcomes by providing education, outreach, and access to health center services; cultivating a new generation of community leaders by visiting local and state representatives to advocate for reproductive health issues; and teaching youth Promotorx how to become advocates for social justice, personal responsibility, and community engagement — and the many other vital skills they need to become leaders in their communities.
Promotorx are part-time employees of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, and receive ongoing training to increase their knowledge and skills, furthering their — and the community’s — economic stability and empowerment.
The Promotorx Program in Coachella Valley
Since 1999, the Coachella Valley Promotorx program has focused on outreach to families and youth, dispelling misconceptions surrounding sensitive topics such as sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. In addition, the program plays an important role in informing the migrant community of the requirements and guidelines to be able to access and receive medical services via programs such as FamilyPACT and the Affordable Care Act.
Two of Coachella Valley’s current Promotorx staff are graduates of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest’s Latina Leadership Academy. The purpose of this acadamy was to provide a long-term comprehensive program for young Latinas that embraced the tenets of education, organizing, advocacy, and workforce development around reproductive and social justice. They began the program as juniors in high school in April 2014 and graduated from the program in July 2015, a month after their graduation from high school. They continued to volunteer with the Community Education program for a few years until they were rehired as leadership Promotorx through a one-year grant in 2018. At the conclusion of the grant, they were then hired as adult Promotorx.
The Promotorx program in Imperial County
The Promotorx program is an essential part of the Community and Government Relations Department in Imperial Valley. There are still many community members in Imperial County who haven’t heard about Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest’s medical and educational services. As a result, Promotorx play a key role in educating people and promoting Planned Parenthood services throughout Imperial Valley.
From early 2016 to late 2019, the Promotorx program was placed on hold in the Imperial Valley region, then officially resumed on September 11, 2019 by hiring two dedicated and committed community leaders. Since resuming the program, both Promotorx have educated more than 3,000 people by conducting 1-on-1 presentations at bus stops, laundromats, coffee shops, and agricultural fields and by providing information about our services at more than 30 community events.
While in-person events are cancelled this year, Promotorx continue to serve our communities. Promotorx help fulfill Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest's commitment to promoting the Census 2020 in Imperial County.
*Before COVID-19, Planned Parenthood in Imperial Valley knocked on more than 600 doors at different apartment complexes to provide residents with information about the 2020 Census.
*After COVID-19, Promotorx have been calling Imperial Valley residents to inform them about the 2020 Census. They have made more than more than 4,000 calls.
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