FINDING POSITIVE HEALTH IN “FORTALEZAS” AND “COMUNIDAD”: A Case Study of Latinos/X in Sonoma Valley (Hanna Hawk)

Hanna Institute launched an 18-month study, “Finding Positive Health in ‘Fortalezas’ and ‘Comunidad’: A Case Study of Latinos/X in Sonoma Valley” in 2018. Using a community-engaged research team, the study explored the unique assets, power and resilience of the Latino/x population that enables it to cope with and overcome stress, including those exacerbated by structural inequalities. The study focuses on community, political, spiritual, cultural and physical resources perceived within the Latino/x community to be important contributors to their health and well-being. The results of the first phase of the study were a set of asset maps and data-supported recommendations to help amplify the “fortalezas.” Hanna Institute is currently exploring partnerships for a second phase of this project.