Public health agencies, academic institutions and vulnerable rural communities are presently being encouraged to support service integration through the creation of collaborative and cooperative partnerships for health improvement of populations and the prevention of risky behaviors of youth. The questions in many rural areas related to "what to do and how to do it?" presented a real challenge due to limited human and physical resources for health care delivery within the local "placed-based" community setting, particularly for unserved or underserved African-American youth. This study which utilizes a combination of health status (physical examinations), environmental and health need assessment and structured questionnaire survey (CDC Youth Behavioral Risk Survey) data, was designed to determine essential prevention program elements of a Higher Education institution (local HBCU), health agencies (urban medical institution), community institution (local church), and community organization (Chambers of Commerce) needed to address primary health demands of underserved rural youth. Data for this descriptive and exploratory study were collected using a convenience sample of 200 rural youth, ages 8-16 years who participated in an intensive four week summer health promotion retreat program to address physical activity, fitness and recreational training as a viable health education intervention for prevention of violence, sexual risky behaviors, poor nutrition, alcohol and other drugs abuse. This paper addresses the need for increased collaboration; cooperation, caring and sharing between institutions of higher education, health agencies and communities in rural areas to expand real resources in the care and education for prevention of disease among underserved youth.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Rural Health Care Delivery System
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.