The health program has an overall goal of improving disparities in health access and outcome. The program is designed and implemented in collaboration with the Ethiopian Health Board which is comprised of medical professionals of Ethiopian origin. All activities are culturally aware and delivered in Amharic. With a trusted connection to the community and the invaluable support of the Ethiopian Health Board , ECS is well placed to make a positive difference in the lives of the community it serves.
POSH seeks to reduce the risk and impact of chronic diseases, promote mental, emotional health through coordinated prevention efforts and improved access of seniors to health services. By providing culturally relevant and linguistically accessible health education and support to access health services, the POSH program improves senior participants’ physical and mental wellness and strengthen their ability to proactively manage their own health. The Promotion of Seniors Health Program (POSH) empowers seniors with culturally relevant knowledge and resources they need for healthy aging. This includes monthly workshops on management and prevention of chronic diseases and promotion of healthy lifestyle.
Features of the program include:
ECS works with the mental health consultants and the community to promote mental health. This work includes regular workshops to educate on mental health, training community and religious leaders on mental health first aid as well as facilitating free mental health consultations. Reducing the cultural stigma associated with mental health problems is a priority.
ECS works with the mental health consultants and the community to promote mental health. This work includes regular workshops to educate on mental health, training community and religious leaders on mental health first aid as well as facilitating free mental health consultations. . Reducing the cultural stigma associated with mental health problems is a priority.
ECS has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 response since the pandemic hit. We kept the community informed by providing culturally and linguistically specific information using a combination of equitable outreach mechanisms. We support community members to fill out complicated application forms to access financial assistance, PPE and vaccinations. At a time when it was almost impossible to access vaccinations, ECS had more than 600 community members (most of whom were seniors) vaccinated at its site in collaboration with City of Seattle, Swedish and YMCA. Additionally, ECS works very closely with religious leaders and the Ethiopian Health Board to address vaccine hesitancy by facilitating educational conversations with the community.
