OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT: Pittsburgh is the paradigm of a post-industrial city. Once the symbol of heavy industry, Its once fiery open hearth furnaces are now dark and silent. Previously dependent on money generated by steel, Pittsburgh’s largest source of outside funding now comes from Medicare. As the material and occupational circumstances of the people of the region have changed, so too has the social structure, the people themselves and their health. Certain communities are bearing the brunt of morbidity and mortality. For example, African American infants have been dying at twice the rate of Euroamerican ones. The dominant health care corporations have ignored the issue of health disparities. This presentation will examine the data on the health status of the populations and communities of Pittsburgh. Models for intervention, such as the Health Action Zone program in the UK, the healthy communities movement, community oriented primary care and comprehensive community initiatives, will be discussed and the model of advocacy described. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of physician advocacy. METHOD: Advocacy using community data is being used to shape a consensus among health care professionals and consumer advocates about the need for change in health care and other services in order to eliminate health disparities. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Attempts to develop a strong advocacy movement involving physician/consumer alliances will be described. Barriers to these interventions and to a general community/consumer/professional mobilization to address the health of the public will be examined. Strategies being utilized to overcome them will be described.
Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1) describe health inequalities and their context in the de/post-industrial city of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. 2) outline current efforts being made by professional and community advocates to mobilize a social movement to effectively address these disparities.
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.