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Abstract #152592

Daniel J. Kruger, PhD, Prevention Research Center, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, (734) 936-4927, djk2012@gmail.com, Tonya M. Turner, REACH 2010 Coordinator, Genesee County Health Department, 630 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502-1540, and Yvonne Lewis, Faith Access to Community Economic Development, 310 East Third Street, 5th Floor, Flint, MI 48503.

The Genesee County REACH 2010 project is a multi-faceted plan addressing racial disparities in infant mortality, focusing on three themes: community mobilization, enhancing the baby-care system, and reducing racism.

Community Dialogues are a four-weeks of guided discussion using a trained facilitator to engage representatives from various community sectors to develop recommendations to address this significant health disparity within Flint/Genesee County. Four questions are utilized to guide the discussion:

Week 1 What is the problem? Week 2 What are the causes of the problem? Week 3 What are the possible solutions? Week 4 What is the best solution?

The dialogue process also employs a recorder to assist in documenting participants' comments and an observer to record the interactions and nuances important to understanding the dynamics of the groups. Notes from each session are summarized and utilized from week-to-week and to work toward building consensuses for a final action plan.

Seven action plans have been generated to date. The action plans include: a One Stop Village; connecting with the hospital systems to engage OB/GYN's and medical residents; enhancing education and training opportunities through collaboration with the local University; a drop-in center; a men's group; a women's group; and a teen group. All activities are committed to reducing the disparity between African American and White infant mortality rates in Flint, MI.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Describe an innovative approach to address racial disparity in infant mortality
• 2. Identify ways of engaging all sectors of a community in developing a plan for addressing health disparities

Keywords: Infant Mortality, Community-Based Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.