wfn.org | El Paso Border Project Wins Coveted Award

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

29-January-1997 
97031 
 
            El Paso Border Project Wins Coveted Award 
 
                      by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Project Vida, a Presbyterian El Paso-based 
multiple-service agency that serves thousands of impoverished, medically 
underserved Hispanics and African Americans along the Texas-Mexico border, 
was one of five local health programs honored recently by the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for their innovative work. 
 
     The Rev. Bill Schlesinger, co-director of Project Vida, accepted the 
Models That Work award from HHS deputy secretary Kevin L. Thurm at a Nov. 
25 ceremony in Washington, D.C.  The Rev.  Elenora Giddings Ivory, director 
of the Presbyterian Washington Office, also attended the awards ceremony, 
representing the denomination. 
 
     The Models That Work campaign -- a public/private partnership of more 
than 35 medical, social service and public health organizations -- promotes 
the replication of grassroots health-care programs that "are creative and 
community responsive, have improved health outcomes for a vulnerable 
population and are using strategies that are transferable to other 
communities." 
 
     Project Vida, which was described in its award as offering a "one stop 
shopping" approach to family health care, includes a primary health-care 
clinic that treats 350 people monthly who previously had no access to 
health care.  It also offers programs in health education, improvement of 
housing, discouragement of gang activity and a host of social services 
ranging from a food co-op to a bilingual family therapist. 
 
     Project Vida also recruits clients to become volunteer or salaried 
community health workers. El Paso officials estimate that Project Vida 
saves the local health system more than $150,000 annually.  
 
     Project Vida is supported by Tres Rios Presbytery, the Synod of the 
Sun and an Extra Commitment Opportunity fund of the General Assembly. 
 
     1996 marked the second year that Presbyterians figured prominently in 
the Models That Work awards.  Two PC(USA)-related projects were honored in 
1995: the Southern Illinois Health Foundation of East St. Louis, Ill., and 
the Heart, Body and Soul Program of Baltimore, co-sponsored by Knox 
Presbyterian Church there.  The Rev. Gordon McLean, pastor of First 
Presbyterian Church in East St.  Louis, who received the award for the 
Southern Illinois Health Foundation last year, also attended this year's 
ceremony.   

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