The HOPE for Kids C.O.R.E program is a pilot program designed as a collaboration among CDC,HUD,CNS, the Chicago DPH, HOPE for Kids, and the Chicago Housing Authority. The program was designed to help raise immunization rates in a 'hard to reach' population and provide job-training and life-skills for public housing residents. In trying to reach those objectives, the program selected ,hired and trained residents in the public housing community as outreach workers in childhood immunization and other health issues. Next, the program projected to assess and reassess the community's immunization status before and after the introduction of the RHA (resident health advocate)to demonstrate level of effectiveness. The program also developed on-going training, preparing the RHA for full-time work or enhanced education. Lastly, the program set a goal to create and sustain partnerships and advisors for the program as it continued its development. In July of 1999, the progam was selected as a top 100 'Best Practice' by HUD for its success in community outreach, education and program effectiveness. With more than 900 children and families enrolled in the program, an increase in the number of children up-to-date with immunization, and the movement of RHA's into the workforce, the program continues to move foreward.
Learning Objectives: Upon session/presentation conclusion, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize the importance of and effectiveness in using public housing residents to both enhance health awareness and change some of the behaviors around health perceptions and practices in the public housing poulation 2. Discuss the model used for the pilot program in the Altgeld-Murray pulic housing development in Chicago 3. Discuss the outcomes of a survey/assessment tool used to identify barriers to health and on-time and up-to-date childhood immunization in the public housing community
Keywords: Community Outreach, Public Housing
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Corporation for National Service
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Chicago Department of Public Health
HOPE for Kids (HOPE worldwide-IL)
Chicago Housing Authority
Local Advisory Co
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.