 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Coleman Chandler, MPH1, Julie Ann Parrish, MA1, Allison Lothman1, Monica L. Wendel, MA, MPH1, James N Burdine, Dr PH1, Michael R.J. Felix2, Sanu Somachandran, MPH1, Jay Jezierski, MPH1, and Rachel Annette Summers1. (1) Community Health Development Program, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1103 University Drive, Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840, 979-845-6953, CCChandler@srph.tamushsc.edu, (2) Community Health Development Specialists, 3027 Walburt Ave, Allentown, PA 18104
The Community Health Development Program (CHPD) at Texas A&M University System Health Science Center (TAMUSHSC), School of Rural Public Health (SRPH), recently conducted a community health needs assessment in the upper Rio Grande Valley—specifically, Starr and Hidalgo Counties. The assessment included: gathering secondary data, conducting a county survey, holding a series of community discussion groups; and forming a coalition between existing health services in an effort to address the health needs of local residents. The population of Starr and Hidalgo Counties consists of 97.5% and 88.3% of Hispanics respectively and is classified as a medically underserved area. Collectively, these two counties lie adjacent to the Mexico border over one hundred miles. Preliminary survey analyses suggest hard to document data, such as a 58% utilization of Mexico health services by Hidalgo residents in the last two years.
This project is on the cutting edge of innovative research and policy efforts concerning current problems and policies (or lack of) in disadvantaged and underserved populations. Taking the research a step further, the project aimed to engage multiple local health service providers in a collaborative effort to devise plans and policies that will increase the overall health status of Hidalgo and Starr Counties while simultaneously serving as a model for similar disadvantaged communities.
The learning objectives include: 1) identify top health concerns among disadvantaged and underserved populations (i.e. those with a high percentage of minorities), 2) identify issues unique to border towns, and 3) identify possible interventions and policy initiatives to address health concerns of the underserved and disadvantaged populations.
Learning Objectives:
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.