The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63794

Lori M. Riley, MD¹, Angela Odoms, PhD², Linda Tinson, APN, CNP³, Kyungran Shim, MD⁴, Evelyn Bell, MD, MPH¹, and Yolanda Williams, BS, MA⁵. (1) ACHN, Cook County/Englewood Health Center, 1135 W 69th St, Chicago, IL 60621, 773-483-5018, lorimriley@ameritech.net, (2) Public and Community Health, Northern Illinios University, School of Allied Health, Dekalb, IL 60115, (3) ACHN, Cook County/Woodlawn Health Center, 6337 South Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, (4) Cook County Hospital : Cook County Bureau of Health Services, 1900 West Polk, Chicago, IL 60612, (5) Cook County Hospital, 1835 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612

Obesity is a serious health condition that disproportionately impacts African-American and low-income women. Studies have shown that community-based partnerships are an effective approach in addressing health issues for communities of color. Women practitioners of color from the Ambulatory and Community Health Network (ACHN) of Cook County and an African-American researcher at Northern Illinois University in Public and Community Health decided to work collaboratively to address obesity in the community. The purpose of this partnership was to address risk factors for obesity among African-American women residing in two low-income communities on the south side of Chicago. The partnership was initiated in November 2002 because both partners acknowledged the importance and necessity of community-based research in an effort to promote healthy lifestyles among low-income women. The collaboration between ACHN and NIU was viewed as advantageous because both partners brought different assets to the partnership. Some challenges that emerged during formation of the partnership included: identifying goals and objectives, issues of intention and trust, institutional commitments,funding opportunities and ownership of existing/future data and projects. We believe cooperative partnerships are essential in providing new and improved services for underserved communities. The marriage of clinicians and academic researchers for the promotion of healthy lifestyles maybe significant in advancing public health practice and research.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session the participate will be able to:
• Recognize the importance of partnerships between community-based clinicians and academic researchers for promotion of health in communities of color.
• Identify challenges associated with the formation of a collaborative partnership.
• Describe the process for constructing a collaborative partnership.

Keywords: Urban Women's Health Issues, Community-Based Partnership

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.