The Women's Health Consortium began in 1995 as a collaboration between an academic institution and 6 community health centers. The purpose of the consortium was to develop the capacity and infrastructure within community-based institutions to conduct research and develop intervention programs in the area of maternal and child health that were strongly based in community practice and reflective of community values and needs. Activities afford curricular and extracurricular experiences for graduate public health students in community settings, as well as opportunities for community residents and health practitioners to participate in research that gives voice to their experiences. Products of this collaboration include the development of a detailed tool for measuring the health and wellbeing of reproductive age women, conducting a survey of postpartum women's health, and the development and implementation of a randomized, controlled intervention trial to promote physical activity and healthy dietary intake among postpartum women. 25 students and approximately 120 community residents and practitioners have participated in consortium activities. Principles and models for successful academic and community collaboration will be presented, with emphasis on enhancing the voice and participation of practitioners and members of the "target" community. We will also present strategies for developing successful teaching programs for graduate students in community settings. See not applicable
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn principles and strategies for community-academic collaboration for research, education and program development 2. Participants will become familiar with a case-example of a community-academic collaboration related to maternal and child health 3. Participants will learn strategies and objectives for master's and doctoral student educational experiences in community-based research and programs
Keywords: Women's Health,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Department of Maternal and Child Health, Harvard School of Public Health
Community Health Centers in Boston and Quincy, Massachusetts (Brookside, Martha Eliot, Whittier Street, Southern Jamaica Plain, South End and Manet)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: National Institutes of Health
Maternal and Child Health Bureau