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Abstract #156338

Arin Ahlum Hanson¹, Katie M. Keating¹, Jiang Li¹, Anne M. Morris¹, Ellie M. Morris¹, Jennifer M. Wieland¹, Melvin R. Muhammad, AA², and Taro Knight, BA³. (1) Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Public Health, Campus Box 7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, 215-868-6319, arin@email.unc.edu, (2) Project Momentum, Inc., P.O. Box 4053, Rocky Mount, NC 27803, (3) East Tarboro/Princeville Community Development Corporation, 1118 Edmondson Avenue, Tarboro, NC 27886

Background/Purpose: Underlying the disproportionately high rates of chronic disease, other health conditions, and associated poor health outcomes among African Americans is limited access to healthcare, fueled by an array of environmental and social factors. This paper presents the results of a community diagnosis performed in the African American communities of two towns in eastern North Carolina, focusing on the ways these communities have overcome a history of racism and poor geography to begin resolving existing disparities through improved access to healthcare services. Methods: An Action-Oriented Community Diagnosis (AOCD) was conducted with these African American communities over a seven-month period. Three qualitative data collection methods were used to assess the strengths and challenges facing these communities. These methods were participant observation field notes; semi-structured individual interviews with 40 community residents and service providers; and secondary data sources such as historical archives and technical documents. Data were analyzed using a transcript-based analysis approach to determine patterns of meaning related to community and identity. Results/Implications: Preliminary findings indicate striking differences in both health outcomes and access to healthcare, based on race and residential location. In an effort to reconcile existing health disparities within the communities, public health practitioners must continue collaborative efforts with government and community leaders to advocate for structural changes that will improve the population's health. Advocating for a public transportation infrastructure, particularly to medical facilities, will be an important first step in promoting equal access to care and developing policy-level interventions to eradicate health disparities in this population.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize disparities in both access to care and health outcomes for African Americans in rural North Carolina.
• Develop action steps to assure equal treatment for all.

Keywords: African American, Health Care Access

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.