During the winter of 2000, residents of two District of Columbia public housing complexes approached the Department of Health and asked for assistance in conducting a neighborhood health needs assessment. Their purpose was to establish clear evidence that various services such as a 24-hour drug treatment center and a mobile dental clinic were needed on site. For the first time, this unique collaborative partnership brought together ex-gang members, the police department, community and activist organizations, and the health department to plan and implement this type of activity. The partnership examined the health disparities for the residents of public housing units and allowed them to prioritize their health needs. It also enabled these key community stakeholders to develop skills and strategies, which would allow their voices to create and influence public policy. The advantages of such an arrangement are many but the most positive aspect was the ability of the health department to build the community's monitoring capacity and to provide them with the necessary tools to exercise a leadership role in their own health care. This presentation will discuss the planning and implementation phases of the Community Health Survey and the Department of Health's strategy of using the data and working with residents to implement on-site programs for women and children based on the survey results.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the planning and implemtation phases of conducting a community-based needs assessment. 2. Describe some of the barriers to conducting community-based needs assessmnet and some of the ways to overcome these barriers. 3. Describe the benefits of working with the community when conducting a community-based needs assessment.
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Needs Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: I do not have any significant finacial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution being discussed in this session.
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.