The program, called Promotores, was given the 2004 Award of Excellence by the National Area Health Education Center Organization last month at a ceremony in Baltimore.

Karkie Tackett, center director at the Area Health Education Center office in Park Hills, said the program seeks to improve the distribution of health workers in the community.

"We want more minorities in the health field," she said. "We promote health career training."

Many of the participants speak little English and often are not aware of health risks, illnesses or where to find information.

"It's like health class for grownups - in Spanish," Tackett said.

The education level of people in the class ranges from fourth-grade to engineers with college degrees.

"One woman is a dentist in her country but can't practice here," Tackett said.

The free courses teach about basic hygiene, oral health, mental health, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, women's health issues, sexually transmitted diseases, First Aid and CPR, and children's illnesses. After completing the class, participants act as informal health educators.

Juliana Scott is the Promotores coordinator and teaches English as a second language. Scott, originally from Colombia, South America, serves as a class presenter along with Spanish-speaking doctors, nurses and nutritionists who have volunteered their time.

"Many students don't know the conditions of diabetes, or heart disease," Scott said.

Gloria Aparicio, a Hispanic worker in Northern Kentucky, said her life is "so much better now," thanks to the program.

"I learned a lot," Aparicio said, "...Talking with other Hispanic people about (these things) really helped me."

The class, which usually consists of 10 people ranging from ages 18 to 60, also encourages people to continue their education.

"We want them to take care of each other but also keep them going into a health career," Tackett said.

Along with two credit hours from Gateway, participants are given certificates, stethoscopes, blood pressure screening kits and First Aid/CPR certification upon graduation.

Despite federal funding cuts, Tackett and Scott say they plan to continue the program.

"Reaching out to the community does not just mean talking to people about health," she said. "It's about participating in health fairs and workshops and doing other things."

AHEC is promoting its Hispanic Health Fair, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24, at Marydale, 945 Donaldson Hwy., Erlanger. Free health screenings and information will be offered.

E-mail aremke@enquirer.com