The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

3107.0: Monday, November 11, 2002 - 10:55 AM

Abstract #41233

Structuring community-based partnerships to maximize outcomes

Mary Neagle, MSW, Community Health Associates, Massachusetts General Hospital, 300 Ocean Avenue, 5th Floor, Revere, MA 02115, 781/485-6211, mneagle@partners.org

The Dana-Farber/Partners Breast and Cervical Screening Collaborative was created nearly four years ago to reduce breast and cervical cancer mortality among underserved women in greater Boston through an aggressive cancer screening program. Partners Health Care System, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and seventeen health centers comprise the partnership and share this common goal. Primary development focused on establishing an organizational structure that would provide an equal voice for each member and encourage the health centers to take a leadership role in the development of policies, procedures, budget development and strategic planning.

Since its inception, the Collaborative has grown both vertically and horizontally. The program has increased service from 800 to 1,300 women annually and from 14 to 17 member health centers. Our horizontal growth reflects the expanding and limitless vision of our members. This vision has allowed for collateral programming which leverages the strengths and knowledge of our medical center partners and community providers. Professional and para-professional training, community-based outreach and marketing, and infrastructure development for improved patient care are some of the unexpected outcomes of the partnership.

The Collaborative has worked to sustain the interest and commitment of its members. Key components to the Collaborative’s success include focus on the primary goal, establishing meaningful and measurable outcomes, identification of value added outcomes, and an organizational structure that is responsive to its members. The presentation will discuss not only the strengths of the Collaborative but also the lessons learned and suggest a framework for sustainable community-based partnerships.

Learning Objectives: Using a case history approach, participants will receive information on structuring community-based partnerships to successfully meet primary goals and unanticipated outcomes. At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

Keywords: Management and Sustainability, Community-Based Partnership

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Partners HealthCare System Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Dana-Farber/Parters Breast and Cervical Screening Collaborative
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment

Community Collaboration and Public/Private Partnerships

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA