3235.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - 8:48 PM

Abstract #11285

Social transformation models: Public health practice strategies for a new millennium

Brian K. Gibbs, PhD1, Deborah Prothrow-Stith, MD2, and Erma J. Lawson, PhD1. (1) Harvard School of Public Health, Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard University, 1552 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02115, (617) 495-5849, bkgibbs@hsph.harvard.edu, (2) Division of Public Health Practice, Program to Eliminate Health Disparities, Harvard University, School of Public Health, 1552 Tremont Street, Boston, MS, (617) 495-4000, stith@africaonline.co.tz

The racial disparities in the prevalence, severity, and outcomes of disease have a complex etiology. The potential contributors to racial disparities in disease may include genetic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. In order to address health disparities, an examination of the disenfranchisement of minority and poor populations is essential. Although some progress has been made overall, the determinants of these disparities have not been addressed. Therefore, attempts at closing the gaps in quality of care have been lacking. Translating the effects of systematic social transformation models such as economic development, labor movements, civil and voting rights movements, and school reform will assist public health practitioners in their efforts to eliminate health disparities. A paradigm shift away from traditional models of public health practice is recommended, moving toward models that address multiple and interrelated socio-cultural factors that have contributed to health disparities in poor and minority populations. During this presentation, participants will be introduced to strategies to assist in the application of an experience-based public health transformation model that draws on experience in other disciplines across racial, ethnic, educational, and economic barriers. By the end of this session participants will be able to identify major social transformation models and their contributions to the illness and promotion of health among poor and minority populations. They will be able to describe two models that have strong implications for success in eliminating health disparities.

Learning Objectives: During this presentation, participants will be introduced to strategies to assist in the application of an experience-based public health transformation model that draws on experience in other disciplines across racial, ethnic, educational, and economic barriers. By the end of this session participants will be able to identify major social transformation models and their contributions to the illness and promotion of health among poor and minority populations. They will be able to describe two models that have strong implications for success in eliminating health disparities

Keywords: Social Activism, Underserved Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Harvard University 1552 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02120
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