June 27 in Los Angeles: Botánicas, Traditional Medicine, and Cultural Competency

[Guest guest]

FROM SENSITIVE TO COMPETENT: Botánicas, Traditional Medicine, and

Cultural Competency

 

Free, Reservations Suggested

http://www.calendow.org/chc/calendar.stm

 

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Light Reception 4:30 p.m.

Program 5:30 p.m.

 

The California Endowment's Center for Health Communities

1000 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

 

Understanding the complex interactions between traditional and

conventional medicine in the lives of patients is more than an act of

cultural sensitivity, it is an indispensable means by which to

deliver effective healthcare. In conjunction with the exhibition,

Worldly Roots & Local Healers: Botánicas & Herbal Medicine in Los

Angeles, The California Endowment will host a public conversation

that explores the role of the botánicas as a principal or

supplementary health care provider for thousands of individuals

throughout Southern California.

 

Part alternative health care facility and cultural gathering place,

part religious supply house and spiritual center, botánicas offer

hybrid Afro-Cuban, Mexican, and Central American approaches to health

and healing. Primarily associated with newly arrived as well as

established Latino communities, botánica patrons also include non-

Latinos from all walks of life who are interested in traditions that,

at their core, connect physical health to spiritual well-being.

 

Within this context, traditional and conventional health care

practitioners, a public health professional, and a policy analyst

will gather to consider issues such as the relevance of cultural

variables and demographic shifts, and, significantly, will explore

opportunities for forging meaningful, multi-layered collaborations.

 

Moderated by Patrick Polk, Ph.D., UCLA Department of World Arts and

Cultures, the panel includes:

• David Hayes-Bautista, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture at

the School of Medicine, UCLA;

• Beatriz Solís, MPH, Ph.D., Senior Program Officer, The

California Endowment,

• Hector Flores, MD, co-founder and medical director, the

Family Care Specialists Medical Group in East Los Angeles

• Elena Esparza, Traditional Herbalist, Artist, Advisor,

Proyecto Jardin Community Garden

• Ofelia Esparza, Traditional Herbalist, Master Artist

 

Free, Reservations Suggested

http://www.calendow.org/chc/calendar.stm

 

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Light Reception 4:30 p.m.

Program 5:30 p.m.

 

The California Endowment's Center for Health Communities

1000 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012