Mode of Program Participation
Community Organizing and Educational Programming
Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Speaking with our Hearts: The Key to a Successful Health Intervention in Amish Country
Session Abstract or Summary
The Amish have settled in over half of the states in the US and in numerous international locations. Despite the large presence of Amish settlements around the globe, lack of evidence-based research on this population has resulted in poor information about the cultural and health care needs of this often closed community. Many published articles were written by non-Amish without permission and inclusion of the Amish community, which has threatened the quality of health care to this population by perpetuating myths and stereotypes. By working with Amish settlements across Ohio for the nearly 20 years, including the world’s largest Amish settlement, in addressing high breast cancer mortality rates in the community, Amish and non-Amish Community Health Workers (CHWs) were hired to develop culturally competent education materials about breast health issues. The presentation will provide an opportunity to share the advice and experiences of both Amish and non-Amish CHWs when working with a unique culture from two perspectives: as the outsiders looking in and also the insiders looking out at the rest of the world. Additionally, key aspects of the Project Hoffnung(sm) outreach model will be identified, which was developed from evidence-based and qualitative research collected from Amish and non-Amish women living inOhio. Results of this outreach have significant implications on any CHW working with underserved populations.
Presentation #1 Title
Speaking with our Hearts: The Key to a Successful Health Intervention in Amish Country
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The Amish have settled in over half of the states in the US and in numerous international locations. Despite the large presence of Amish settlements around the globe, lack of evidence-based research on this population has resulted in poor information about the cultural and health care needs of this often closed community. Many published articles were written by non-Amish without permission and inclusion of the Amish community, which has threatened the quality of health care to this population by perpetuating myths and stereotypes. By working with Amish settlements across Ohio for the nearly 20 years, including the world’s largest Amish settlement, in addressing high breast cancer mortality rates in the community, Amish and non-Amish Community Health Workers (CHWs) were hired to develop culturally competent education materials about breast health issues. The presentation will provide an opportunity to share the advice and experiences of both Amish and non-Amish CHWs when working with a unique culture from two perspectives: as the outsiders looking in and also the insiders looking out at the rest of the world. Additionally, key aspects of the Project Hoffnung(sm) outreach model will be identified, which was developed from evidence-based and qualitative research collected from Amish and non-Amish women living inOhio. Results of this outreach have significant implications on any CHW working with underserved populations.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
As founding director of the nonprofit Center for Appalachia Research in Cancer Education (CARE), Dr. Melissa Thomas has served as Principal Investigator on a number of research studies aimed at reducing the burden of cancer through culturally-competent health education programs. Melissa also serves as Director of the Office of Health Equity and Sponsored Programs at the OhioHealth Research & Innovation Institute in Columbus, Ohio. As a first-generation college student, Melissa has dedicated her life to empowering communities in memory of her grandmother, Mazie Thomas Reed, who died of cancer due to limited access to education and health care.
Presentation #2 Title
Speaking with our Hearts: The Key to a Successful Health Intervention in Amish Country
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
The Amish have settled in over half of the states in the US and in numerous international locations. Despite the large presence of Amish settlements around the globe, lack of evidence-based research on this population has resulted in poor information about the cultural and health care needs of this often closed community. Many published articles were written by non-Amish without permission and inclusion of the Amish community, which has threatened the quality of health care to this population by perpetuating myths and stereotypes. By working with Amish settlements across Ohio for the nearly 20 years, including the world’s largest Amish settlement, in addressing high breast cancer mortality rates in the community, Amish and non-Amish Community Health Workers (CHWs) were hired to develop culturally competent education materials about breast health issues. The presentation will provide an opportunity to share the advice and experiences of both Amish and non-Amish CHWs when working with a unique culture from two perspectives: as the outsiders looking in and also the insiders looking out at the rest of the world. Additionally, key aspects of the Project Hoffnung(sm) outreach model will be identified, which was developed from evidence-based and qualitative research collected from Amish and non-Amish women living inOhio. Results of this outreach have significant implications on any CHW working with underserved populations.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Linda Nisley has served as a Mennonite certified Community Health Worker with Project Hoffnung: The Amish and Mennonite Breast Health Project for the past 7 years. Raised Amish, she shared valuable information about the culture and heritage of both Appalachian and Amish communities.
Presentation #3 Title
Speaking with our Hearts: The Key to a Successful Health Intervention in Amish Country
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
The Amish have settled in over half of the states in the US and in numerous international locations. Despite the large presence of Amish settlements around the globe, lack of evidence-based research on this population has resulted in poor information about the cultural and health care needs of this often closed community. Many published articles were written by non-Amish without permission and inclusion of the Amish community, which has threatened the quality of health care to this population by perpetuating myths and stereotypes. By working with Amish settlements across Ohio for the nearly 20 years, including the world’s largest Amish settlement, in addressing high breast cancer mortality rates in the community, Amish and non-Amish Community Health Workers (CHWs) were hired to develop culturally competent education materials about breast health issues. The presentation will provide an opportunity to share the advice and experiences of both Amish and non-Amish CHWs when working with a unique culture from two perspectives: as the outsiders looking in and also the insiders looking out at the rest of the world. Additionally, key aspects of the Project Hoffnung(sm) outreach model will be identified, which was developed from evidence-based and qualitative research collected from Amish and non-Amish women living inOhio. Results of this outreach have significant implications on any CHW working with underserved populations.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
For the past 19 years, Doretta has served many roles on our statewide community-led initiative called “Project Hoffnung (Hope): The Amish and Mennonite Breast Health Project”, but her most rewarding work has been that of the lead community health educator for Amish and Mennonite women.
Speaking with our Hearts: The Key to a Successful Health Intervention in Amish Country
The Amish have settled in over half of the states in the US and in numerous international locations. Despite the large presence of Amish settlements around the globe, lack of evidence-based research on this population has resulted in poor information about the cultural and health care needs of this often closed community. Many published articles were written by non-Amish without permission and inclusion of the Amish community, which has threatened the quality of health care to this population by perpetuating myths and stereotypes. By working with Amish settlements across Ohio for the nearly 20 years, including the world’s largest Amish settlement, in addressing high breast cancer mortality rates in the community, Amish and non-Amish Community Health Workers (CHWs) were hired to develop culturally competent education materials about breast health issues. The presentation will provide an opportunity to share the advice and experiences of both Amish and non-Amish CHWs when working with a unique culture from two perspectives: as the outsiders looking in and also the insiders looking out at the rest of the world. Additionally, key aspects of the Project Hoffnung(sm) outreach model will be identified, which was developed from evidence-based and qualitative research collected from Amish and non-Amish women living inOhio. Results of this outreach have significant implications on any CHW working with underserved populations.
