“Ibiza is a small Spanish island with a big energy that knows how to have fun. El Rio Vecinos encapsulates the same vibe, which is one of the main reasons behind this year’s theme. We are a small but mighty group working hard to provide a good time for sponsors and attendees to bring the ultimate benefit to the youth of our Southern Arizona community,” said Shauna Vasquez at the event said Shayla Sandoval, co-chair of the

Over the past decade, annual themed block parties staged by groups of young professionals have earned a reputation as both incredible. Outdoor gala and strong fundraiser — This year, our goal is to raise $175,000 for the El Rio Health Peer Health Navigator Initiative.

The Peer Health Navigator initiative is a peer-to-peer program that provides reproductive health education to adolescents, providing wraparound resources including transportation and telemedicine visits with partner organizations.

The program is facilitated by 10 young people between the ages of 15 and 21. They work at the El Rio clinic and provide outreach through community events. Their mission is to educate other her teens about reproductive health and related issues.

“Vecinos recognizes peer-to-peer programs as the next generation of health advocates. The idea of ​​these young people reaching out to their peers was very inspiring. We are talking about students and this education and outreach amplifies their voice Peer Navigator helps young people access care We advocate for healthy lifestyles and healthier communities,” said Brenda Goldsmith, executive director of the El Rio Foundation.

According to Anthony Schaefer of Vecino, who is also the current president of the El Rio Health Center Foundation, the program often serves as a gateway to other resources and medical services that students and their families do not have access to.

“The peer-to-peer program is being championed here in El Rio and is so influential with patients that there are other community health organizations interested in replicating this model and possible peer-to-peer models. The great thing about is that patients don’t feel any level of judgment, so they’re much more committed,” said Schaefer, an associate broker at Long Realty.

Supporting peer-to-peer activities is the starting point for a service organization that has donated more than $720,000 to El Rio’s children’s dental program since Vecinos (meaning neighbor in Spanish) was founded a decade ago.

According to Vecinos President Alexis Chavez, exciting changes are coming as the organization of young professionals aged 25 to 40 enters its 20th year.

She emphasized that it is a very active and diverse service group, “not just to write a resume.”

“Vecinos is an amazing mix of people. It’s about how we keep growing, developing and becoming an even better group. There’s a lot of passion in this group.

Ultimately, Goldsmith said the Vecinos recognize the link between reproductive health, mental health, and overall health.

“Vecinos is focused on social justice and equitable care and has found that teens share more with other young people about all areas of health. It also serves as a conduit for resources,” says Goldsmith.