CLFR graduate research fellow, Diana Chaves, is completing her concentration practicum at Casa de Salud, a new health center in St. Louis.  Diana has worked since last spring on the creation of Casa.  It is an initiative of a group of leading St. Louisans concerned about the needs of the Hispanic population in our area.  Concerned that two of the most important clinics that operated for more than 13 years in the St. Louis area recently closed their doors, this group undertook the conception, design, incorporation, fundraising, and operating the new health center.  As a practicum experience, it has been exciting and educational for Diana, providing opportunities for team work, community liaison, board of director involvement, and preparing plans for the actual physical plant.  Not only were Diana's social work skills put to good use, but her experience as an architect was a bonus to the project.  Casa de Salud will be dedicated to meet the needs of uninsured and underinsured adults who encounter barriers to accessing other sources of care.  With an emphasis on new Hispanic immigrants, Casa will provide high quality, respectful, low-cost healthcare, and teach health services consumers to navigate the medical system. 

The Center for Latino Family Research is providing advisory consultation to Casa de Salud.  Diana and Professor Zayas are initiating plans for the implementation of a social service within Casa.   To visit Casa de Salud web site: http://casadesaludstl.org/ <http://casadesaludstl.org/>