Health & Wellness
In the Iraqi community of Austin, Texas, health and wellness are often secondary priorities due to a range of challenges. Many community members, especially refugees, immigrants, and first-generation Iraqis, face cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers that limit access to healthcare services. Preventative care is often underutilized, mental health remains stigmatized, and health education, particularly around nutrition, chronic disease, and mental well-being, is insufficient. Moreover, Iraqi women and elders often experience additional obstacles due to social isolation, limited mobility, and lack of culturally sensitive support systems.
Shako Mako envisions a thriving Iraqi community in Austin where individuals and families experience optimal physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We see a future where health resources are culturally tailored and accessible, mental health is normalized and supported, and wellness is integrated into everyday life. Iraqi families are empowered with knowledge, access, and community support to make informed health choices. Our vision is rooted in holistic wellness: body, mind, and community.
How We’ll Get There
Culturally Responsive Health Education
We will offer workshops and community events in Arabic and English focused on preventive care, nutrition, fitness, mental health, reproductive health, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. These will be adapted to respect Iraqi traditions and beliefs while promoting science-based wellness.
Mental Health Awareness and Support
We will partner with bilingual mental health professionals and organizations to hold conversations, forums, and confidential support groups. We’ll destigmatize mental health by integrating it into broader community conversations and offer tools for emotional resilience, especially for women, youth, and elders.
Wellness Events and Group Activities
Regular yoga, walking groups, tea circles, and wellness days will help promote social connection and physical activity in a culturally familiar setting. These events not only address health but also combat loneliness and build solidarity.
Women’s Health Empowerment
We’ll create safe spaces for Iraqi women to discuss health, wellness, and self-care, including prenatal care, maternal health, menopause, and mental health. Peer-led circles and collaborations with women’s clinics will give women the confidence and tools to advocate for their own well-being.
Navigation and Advocacy
We will train community health navigators who can help Iraqi families understand the U.S. healthcare system, access insurance, find doctors who speak Arabic or understand our culture, and schedule appointments. These navigators will also provide support with translation and follow-up care.
Community Health Partnerships
We will build strong partnerships with local clinics, mental health providers, UT Austin health initiatives, and public health departments to ensure Iraqi voices are included in city-wide wellness efforts. Together, we’ll advocate for equitable, inclusive care.
Short-Term Expected Outcomes
- Increased community awareness of physical and mental health topics.
- Improved access to local healthcare services and bilingual providers.
- Community members participate in wellness events and group activities.
- Mental health stigma begins to break down through open, safe conversations.
- Iraqi women and youth begin engaging in health-related discussions.
- Community health navigators support families with appointments and follow-ups.
- Shako Mako gains trust as a reliable health and wellness resource.
Long-Term Expected Outcomes
- Iraqi families adopt consistent healthy lifestyle habits.
- Reduced chronic illness rates (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) in the community.
- Mental health is normalized and more people seek support services.
- Iraqi women and youth are empowered to lead health initiatives.
- Community-led wellness programs become sustainable and self-driven.
- Greater cultural sensitivity in Austin’s health system through partnerships.
- Shako Mako becomes a regional model for culturally rooted wellness programs.
