This paper will present results of a multi-site case study of the experience of eight Healthy Start sites in utilizing consortia and other community involvement strategies in their efforts to dramatically reduce infant mortality. Study methods included key informant interviews and focus groups at each site, observation of consortia and other activities, and review of relevant documents and administrative data. Although causal relationships between community involvement approaches and hard outcome data were impossible to prove, substantive changes in programs and practices as a result of community involvement were seen at each site, as were contributions to community capacity building. In a few sites, changes in local or state policy also were attributed to the community involvement component of Healthy Start. Both site-specific and cross-site themes will be presented, along with implications for other major health education and public health initiatives interested in the strategic use of community involvement approaches.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session participants will be able to: (1) identify three community involvement strategies employed in Healthy Start programs (2) describe the program's rationale for mandating a consortium at each site (3) describe three lessons for involving communities in other major public health and health education initiatives
Keywords: Community Collaboration,
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.