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

Abstract #64387

Samira S. Jones, MPH¹, Penny Andresen, MPH², Maura Mack, PhD², and Alyce Ujihara, MA³. (1) Public Health Prevention Service, Centers for Disease Control, c/o California Department of Health Services, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1700, Oakland, CA 94612, 510-622-4500, sjones@dhs.ca.gov, (2) Impact Assessment, Inc., 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1700, Oakland, CA 94612, (3) Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Health Services, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1700, Oakland, CA 94612

Elevated levels of mercury in fish have been found throughout California's Central Valley due to naturally occurring sources and historic gold mining activities. The Central Valley is also a magnet for diverse ethnic populations including Southeast Asian and Russian immigrants, Latino farm workers, and Native American Tribes. For many of these communities, fishing is an important cultural activity as well as a significant source of food for their families. In order to increase participation among affected communities, the California Department of Health Services conducted needs assessments with local agencies and important fishing populations in key Central Valley areas. Although anglers are predominately men, women of childbearing age and young children were the focus of our investigations because they are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of mercury. Needs assessment activities included the conduct of interviews, focus groups, surveys, and community meetings. We learned that consumption of contaminated fish was common in these communities, including women and children, while awareness of the mercury problem was very low. Through the needs assessment process, we found many opportunities to collaborate with affected communities and local agencies, gained insight into language and cultural concerns, and identified specific information and training needs to help individuals reduce their exposure to mercury from consumption of contaminated fish.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• 3. Describe specific needs assessment methods and tools that can enhance community involvement in program planning.
  6. Identify challenges and opportunities for achieving community participation.

Keywords: Community Participation, Needs Assessment

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.