This policy brief from the California School-Based Health Alliance and the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network describes how health homes can provide improved health care and related services to boys and young men of color.
The brief describes the disparities in health status and health care experienced by boys and young men of color. National, state, and local health care reforms have promoted the concept of patient-centered medical homes, or health homes, as a model for re-focusing health care delivery systems on the needs of the individual patients. This policy brief examines how the health home model can be effective in addressing the unique needs of boys and young men of color. Health homes can provide a primary care provider and care team, enhanced and timely access to care, appropriate and comprehensive care, quality care that is data-driven, and community integration and family engagement.
The brief recommends actions to ensure accountability to the boys and young men of color served, through focus groups, surveys, health assessments, analyses of data, and youth advisory boards. The brief also describes some best practices in reaching and engaging boys and young men of color, and ensuring a culturally competent health workforce that meets their needs. The brief highlights issues of trauma-informed care, integration of behavioral health services, male mentorship, family engagement, addressing concepts of masculinity, comprehensive case management, and support for gay, bisexual, and transgender youth as important elements of an effective health home for boys and young men of color.
Ignatius Bau 