1) Culturally Competent Healthcare

This course introduces the participants to specific areas by which to assure cultural competence in responding to migrants and other minority groups. Special attention is given to developing appropriate knowledge, skills & attributes; communication and rapport building; translator and interpreter challenges, and confidentiality concerns.

2) Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care of Migrant Populations.

This course explores the moral and social responsibility of the health care system in terms of migrant and immigrant populations in the United States . It is based on the assumption that a balance of values, knowledge and skills is critical to health services and health policies generally. Through reading, reflection and discussion of the purpose of health care and the intersection between ethical principles and governmental and other laws, regulations and standards that embody those principles, students will be able to set and standards of personal and organizational responsibility, and assess and support the strengthening of health policies in terms of healthcare services for migrant and immigrant families. This course will examine the context in which our healthcare system functions and the moral culture on which it depends. The emphasis will be on practical reasoning in real world situations with a view to preparing health providers and administrators to build a healthcare infrastructure to serve migrant and immigrant families effectively and based on sound ethical principles.

3) Grassroots Approach to Migrants' Health Issues.

This course describes healthcare issues of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States and the consequent response of grassroots strategies, including private and governmental approaches. This course provides an opportunity for students to explore first hand the issues and the response through readings, case studies, and personal research.

4) Health Care Alternatives Used by Special Populations.

This course will introduce the healthcare provider to the unique health issues of migrant adults and children growing up along the US – Mexico Border that utilizes Curanderismo alongside Western Medicine. The concept "Heart heals heart" are demonstrated through the tools used in limpias that include heart to heart talks, limpias (spiritual ceremonies for the soul and spirit), and Susto (Fright). Folk diseases such as envy, bad luck, and soul loss will be included as conditions relevant to health and modern living. Ways to include aspects of Curanderismo with modern medicine will be discussed. Careful investigation and analysis of the cultural practices found in Hispanic communities will be presented providing participants with a range of knowledge and skills that will assist in everyday interaction with clients of Hispanic/Native American ancestry.

5) Introduction to Migrant Health.

The purpose of this course is to provide the basic knowledge needed in primary care settings. The most important skills that health professionals will develop in this course are primarily personal ones that include a basic understanding of common health problems that occur in migrant populations, including their cultural beliefs, as well resources available to primary care providers. Other skills include public health knowledge about environmental and occupational health hazards, the increase risk for health problems. Federal and bi-national community health programs that provide services and advocate for migrant farm workers and their families will be reviewed. Given their participation in this course, students will have a greater sensitivity to the unique health needs of the migrant farm worker population, and understanding of how to integrate new knowledge into primary care settings.

6) Health of the Migrant Child

This course introduces the unique health issues of migrant children growing up along the U.S. – Mexico Border and the migrant stream, from infancy through adolescence. Special attention will be given to risk factors that affect their health, psychosocial factors that promote successful outcomes, and basic intervention strategies that will enhance their health and promote successful development of the migrant children.

7) Mental Health and the Migrant Family

This course provides basic concepts of mental health. These concepts include the occurrence and distribution of mental health among migrant families in the United States . Topics include factors related to mental health and practical approaches to addressing mental health issues among migrant families at the community level. Issues involved in service discontinuity given the mobility of the population are discussed. A special feature of the course is discussion of the importance of culturally and language appropriate diagnostic, screening procedures and treatment approaches. This course focuses on the Hispanic migrant community.