The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

5153.0: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 3:00 PM

Abstract #48824

Department of Health and community-based partnerships: Lessons learned from evaluation of the NYC Childhood Asthma Initiative

Aileen Reid, MPA1, Carolyn A Berry, PhD2, John Billings, JD2, Louise R. Cohen, MPH3, and Andrew Goodman, MD, MPH4. (1) Center for Health and Public Service Research, New York University, 726 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003, 212-998-7466, aileen.reid@nyu.edu, (2) Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University, 726 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York City, NY 10003, (3) NYC Childhood Asthma Initiative, New York City Department of Health, 40 Worth Street, Room 1607, New York, NY 10013, (4) Community HealthWorks, New York City Department of Health, 40 Worth Street, Room 1602, New York, NY 10013

The New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) has contracted with five agencies to establish partnerships in their communities as part of its NYC Childhood Asthma Initiative. The purpose of these partnerships is to confront systemic issues and build sustainable community capacity to address health promotion, prevention and disease management around childhood asthma. One of the goals of the formative evaluation component of this initiative is to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of the community partnership strategy for the NYCDOH. The three-year formative evaluation relies upon qualitative methodology, including site visits, in-depth interviews, document review and participant observation of program activities to document the formation, development and implementation of three of the community partnerships.

At two years into implementation, evidence suggests that the NYCDOH can work successfully with community organizations to establish partnerships focused on a health problem that is perceived as serious and pervasive by community members. The three sites have established partnerships ranging from 15-25 active member agencies that are producing required deliverables in the form of mission statements, intervention plans, and community-wide activities. Community institutions are enthusiastic about this form of intervention by the NYCDOH and believe it will be an effective means to address the problems associated with childhood asthma in their communities. One challenge has been balancing true collaboration among community partners with the demands of a deliverables-based contract.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

Keywords: Asthma, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Asthma: A Chronic and Growing Challenge In Our Communities

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA