The AZ Department of Health Services has developed an approach to Healthy People 2010 that maximizes multi-sector participation and the support of community initiatives to improve health status. The model is based on the assumption that many health improvement efforts are being implemented on parallel tracks and need to be integrated. Healthy Arizona 2010 is drawing on counties, tribes, businesses, community coalitions, the faith community, schools and universities, etc. to unite their efforts in twelve focus areas. The role of the state health department is to coordinate, collect and publish data and provide technical assistance. There is a high-level advisory board that is supporting the project in the areas of marketing, evaluation and community linkage. The Board includes four legislators, the governor's policy advisory on health, and many AZ business and community leaders.
One of the ways that Healthy Arizona 2010 is focusing on the elimination of disparities, is by providing key data to members of ethnic and racial minorities at the local level and facilitating their development of effective interventions. Working through tribes and local coalitions, innovative grassroots solutions are emerging which can be tested in cooperation with area public health agencies.
A key feature of this project is the website, which serves as a primary point of exchange regarding community initiatives and can assist people in linking across the desert and mountain terrains of this very large state.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1. List characteristics of a community-based model of health improvement. 2. Articulate the steps to follow in promoting high levels of community participation in health planning. 3. Describe ways to elicit political support in implementing Healthy People 2010 at the state level.
Keywords: Community Participation, Leadership
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Arizona Department of Health Services
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.