Can lessons learned from a Cuban experience improve health disparities in south Los Angeles?

The purpose of this study is to observe Cuba's working healthcare models in an effort to improve ethnic health disparities in south Los Angeles through generating a new level of synergy by mobilizing resources to create academic-community partnerships and apply lessons learned. During a three-year period beginning in 2005, a team of 12-14 Charles R. Drew University and UCLA faculty, south Los Angeles community leaders, and health providers completed three one-week visits to Cuba to survey the country's approach to various health problems and ascertain their potential to improve health conditions in south Los Angeles. Various methods such as opinion surveys, evaluations, and team meetings were used to measure the direction and progress of translating lessons learned into creating a working relationship with community leaders. After two visits, opinion surveys demonstrated an increase in the response to acknowledging that there were lessons learned. However, respondents acknowledged that they encountered difficulty in attempting to make these changes. One outcome from these visits resulted in a community forum at which community leaders and residents from south Los Angeles heard various speakers present on lessons learned in Cuba. In conclusion, after observing Cuba's approach to health problems that are also encountered in south Los Angeles, the team has begun to plan research projects and next steps to incorporate lessons learned into current programs with the community.