In the late 1980’s public health workers engaged the core functions of public health to mobilize local communities toward eliminating health disparities among vulnerable populations in Indiana. This presentation is an historical accounting of the process used for community mobilization. The process began with public awareness meetings and campaigns using culturally appropriate avenues. Minority communities rallied around issues of health disparities and subsequently participated in a community driven systematic assessment of their needs. The outcome of their assessment efforts resulted in the development of a strategic plan that became the basis for the Indiana Minority Health Initiative Act of 1992. This act provided for the development of coalitions, delivery of culturally appropriate health programs, training of providers in cultural competency, and recruitment of minorities into the health fields. The collaborative relationships between the public health workers, public policy makers and the community people will be described as they relate to the sustainability of the grassroots driven initiative over time.
Learning Objectives: Objectives: To examine a historical analysis of a grassroots driven process initiated in Indiana in the late 80’s to eliminate minority health disparities 2) To identify the results of the community mobilization effort as they relate to the core functions of public health 3) To identify the sustaining characteristics of this initiative over the past decade
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.