5232.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - Board 8

Abstract #10922

The Role of Technical Assistance in Promoting Public Health Approaches to Effective Violence Prevention Programming

Mary E. Murray, MA(Psych) and Bobby Sasson, MPH. Illinois Violence Prevention Authority, 100 W. Randolph, Suite 6-600, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 814-5837, MMurray@idph.state.il.us

Objectives: Upon completion of the session, participants will: 1) describe various forms of technical assistance (T/A); 2) discuss the role of technical assistance in promoting effective public health approaches to violence prevention; and 3) evaluate the relationship between organizational characteristics and technical assistance needs.

The Illinois Violence Prevention Authority (IVPA) is a state agency that promotes a comprehensive public health approach to violence prevention. In addition to funding programs, IVPA also provides technical assistance to build the capacity of organizations, schools and communities to design, implement, and evaluate collaborative violence prevention efforts. Technical assistance is provided through training, resource provision (e.g. research findings, best practice information), networking opportunities, and individualized consultation.

This presentation will discuss the results of a survey completed by representatives of 75 organizations funded by the IVPA in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this T/A. Specifically, the perceived impact of different components of the overall T/A provision will be explored. The relationship between organization characteristics (e.g. size, budget, mission, staff) and the effectiveness of T/A will be analyzed. Implications for the role of T/A in developing and institutionalizing effective community-based violence prevention efforts will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this session, participants will: 1) describe various forms of technical assistance (T/A); 2) discuss the role of technical assistance in promoting effective publice health approaches to violence prevention; and 3) evaluate the relationship between organizational characteristics and technical assistance needs

Keywords: Violence Prevention, Organizational Change

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Illinois Violence Prevention Authority (IVPA)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA