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Abstract #154345

Priscilla Barnes, MPH, CHES, College of Health and Human Services, Western Michigan University, 18608 Neva Circle, Eagle River, AK 99577, 907-622-4615, p4barnes@wmich.edu and Amy B. Curtis, PhD, MPH, Interdisciplinary Health Studies, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, MS. 5379, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.

Partnerships between public health and faith communities are encouraged at national, state, and local levels. Local health departments (LHDs) play a major role in collaborating with faith communities to enhance their organizational practices and improve health outcomes. Data for this study were obtained from the 2005 National Profile of Local Health Departments (Profile Study), a project supported through a cooperative agreement between the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 426 LHDs, (85% response rate) completed the partnership module of the Profile Study; 361 reported engaging faith communities in one or more partnership activities. Thirty-three percent (n = 141[of 426]) of the partnerships reported exchanging information and working together as their primary activities. About 7% (n=31 [of 426]) of LHDs reported providing financial resources and 4% (n=18 [of 426]) have the leadership role within the partnership with faith communities. Anticipated results of analysis are that jurisdictions with a population greater than 12% African Americans were more likely to partner with faith communities. Furthermore, LHDs having a community improvement plan and providing financial resources and taking the leadership role are positively associated with the presence of partnerships. Implications of these findings would provide further need for analysis of factors that influence LHDs' abilities to work efficiently with faith communities.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to

• List the key components of the National Profile of Local Health Departments (LHDs) survey
• Identify partnership activities reported by LHDs with faith communities
• Articulate factors that influence partnership activities between LHDs and faith communities

Keywords: Partnerships, Health Departments

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.