The Empowerment Congress (EC) of Doña Ana County works to support leadership development and improved quality of life in the colonias. In early 2021, with leveraged funding from the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation (El Paso), EC began a COVID-19 vaccine education campaign, “Reduce the Risk”. The initiative contracted with promotoras (trusted community health care workers) to reach New Mexicans, especially in rural areas. Promotora teams have been canvassing door-to-door, keeping a safe distance and wearing masks while they deliver information and Covid-19 kits. Through phone banking and informational sessions in English and Spanish, they are also delivering vital vaccine information. Over 6,000 conversations have occurred, with messaging continually adapted based on those conversations. The program is in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Health and will be expanded to other communities through the help of CSBG funding.
