The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49998

Rhonda Lewis, PhD, MPH, Psychology, Wichita State University, 1845 N. Fairmount, Box 34, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, 316-978-3695, rhonda.lewis@wichita.edu, Arneatha Martin, ARNP, Center for Health and Wellness, 2707 E. 21 st, Wichita, KS 67214, and Edith Knox, MA, Knox Center, 1809 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214.

This paper describes a process of creating, developing, and maintaining a collaborative partnership between an academic institution and two community-based agencies (i.e., a drug treatment agency and a local primary health care center) in Kansas. To establish truly collaborative partnerships and put the public back into public health several strategies were implemented to collaborate with community-based agencies to implement policies and practices that reduce the risks associated with substance use and HIV infection among African American adolescents in Kansas. Although, African Americans make up 6% of the Kansas population they make up 22% of newly diagnosed HIV cases. Partnerships are need to reduce the HIV infection rate among African Americans, especially adolescents. This paper discuss ways to collaborate with community based agencies, the research project developed out of the partnership (entitled Risk Reduction Project) and ways to include community based partners in designing and evaluating community based programs. Lessons learned and challenges of conducting HIV and substance abuse prevention in a community setting will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• To identify ways to create public health partnerships between universities and community based agencies
• To design effective evaluations for community-based programs
• To identify ways community based agencies can be more involved in shaping the research agenda

Keywords: Adolescent Health, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Wichita State University Knox Center, Inc Center for Health and Wellness Boys and Girls Clubs of South Centeral Kansas
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.