About Us
BienESTAR, derived from the Spanish word for well-being, epitomizes our commitment to fostering health equity in the Mexico-US border region. Nestled within San Diego State University, our research collaborative is dedicated to mitigating health disparities among border populations, empowering communities to flourish. At the heart of our endeavors lies Environmental and Social Transborder Action Research (ESTAR), a multidisciplinary approach that synergizies methodologies from health services research, environmental health, public health, and community-based participatory research (CBPR).
Interdisciplinary Action:
- Health Services Research: Through meticulous analysis and evaluation, we examine the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of health services within border communities. This involves assessing healthcare infrastructure, identifying gaps, and devising strategies to enhance healthcare delivery.
- Environmental Health: Recognizing the profound impact of environmental factors on health, we investigate the nexus between environmental conditions and well-being. By conducting environmental assessments and monitoring, we pinpoint environmental hazards and develop interventions that promote a healthier environment.
- Public Health: Leveraging population-level approaches, we implement interventions aimed at preventing disease and promoting health within border populations. This encompasses multi-level interventions, disease surveillance, and policy advocacy to address systemic health challenges.
- Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR): Central to our approach is the active involvement of community members in all stages of the research process. By fostering collaborative partnerships, we ensure that research priorities align with community needs and that interventions are culturally appropriate and sustainable.