Nemours Health & Prevention Services Sponsors Spanish Version of Key Online Health Resource in Delaware

In an effort to improve Hispanic Delawareans’ access to health information and services, NHPS has sponsored a Spanish version of the Delaware Helpline, an online and telephone-based guide to human services available in the state.

NHPS worked with the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic Affairs (GACHA) and the Delaware Helpline staff to create these ethnically and linguistically appropriate Hispanic health resource tools. Users of the Delaware Helpline website can now access information about organizations that provide assistance in Spanish, and Helpline callers (1-800-464-HELP) can also be referred to the organizations by Spanish-speaking information specialists. Resources available through the Helpline include

• Prenatal care
• Child care services
• Health clinics for infants, children, and adults
• Lead screening services
• Youth-oriented programs
• Adult education services
• Drug and alcohol counseling services

Says NHPS Senior Vice President and Executive Director Debbie Chang, “When Nemours created Health and Prevention Services, it was with the intention that we would find out what the community needed to improve its health and that we would build on existing community strengths. And that is exactly what we have been able to do by working with the Helpline and the Governor’s Advisory Council—to enhance an existing service and reduce barriers to obtaining information and services for Hispanics in our state.”

Chang adds, “One of the primary areas of focus at NHPS is obesity prevention. Nationwide, almost 40% of Hispanics are overweight or obese—higher than the general population—and therefore at greater risk for health problems like diabetes and heart disease. We are pleased to join the Helpline and Governor’s Advisory Council to provide targeted assistance to Hispanic families by identifying resources for health services, nutrition, and physical activity.”

In addition, NHPS created the GACHA "Uno" Card as a handy resource for those without ready access to the Internet. The pocket-sized card lists the telephone numbers of the most common Spanish language health and social service providers in Delaware. A total of 75,000 cards will be distributed throughout the state in community centers, doctor’s offices, child care facilities, and at cultural events. The cards are also available by calling NHPS at 302-444-9100.

The April 22 issue of El Tiempo Hispano highlights the project on its front page.

About Nemours Health & Prevention Services

Nemours Health and Prevention Services, a non-profit organization based in Newark, Delaware, works with families and communities to help children grow up healthy. Its goal is to develop programs, contribute knowledge and impact policies that will build the capacity for child health promotion in Delaware and eventually have value for children nationally. NHPS sees its role as one of catalyst, "planting the seeds for better health" by working with community partners to reach children in a variety of settings. One of its initial areas of emphasis is childhood obesity prevention through promotion of healthy lifestyles. Learn more at www.GrowUpHealthy.org.