4259.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 5:00 PM

Abstract #26812

Social transformation models: Public health practice strategies for community-centered coalition building

Brian K. Gibbs, PhD, MPA and Deborah Prothrow-Stith, MD. Division of Public Health Practice, Program to Eliminate Health Disparities, Harvard University, School of Public Health, 1552 Tremont Street, Boston, MS, (617) 495-5849, bkgibbs@hsph.harvard.edu

Contributors to racial disparities in the prevalence, severity, and outcomes of disease (i.e. cardiovascular disease) may include genetic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. To address health disparities, an examination of the disenfranchisement of minority and poor populations is essential. Although some progress has been made, attempts at closing the gaps in quality of care have been lacking.

During this presentation, participants will be introduced to strategies for applying experience-based social transformation and public health practice models. These models draw on experiences in other disciplines across racial, ethnic, educational, and economic barriers.

By the end of this session participants will be able to: (1) identify major social transformation models and their contributions towards the production of illness and promotion of health among poor and minority populations; and (2) describe two models that have strong implications for sustainable community-centered interventions involving the elimination of health disparities.

Racial disparities have a complex etiology. Translating effects of systematic social transformation models such as economic development, labor movements, and civil, voting and women’s rights movements will assist public health practitioners in their efforts to eliminate health disparities. A paradigm shift away from traditional models of public health practice is recommended, moving toward models that address multiple and interrelated socio-cultural factors that contribute to health disparities in poor and minority populations.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session participants will be able to: (1) identify major social transformation models and their contributions towards the production of illness and promotion of health among poor and minority populations; and (2) describe two models that have strong implications for sustainable community-centered interventions involving the elimination of health disparities.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Minority Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Harvard School of Public Health, Division of Public Health Practice, Program to Eliminate Health Disparities
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.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA