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

Abstract #66446

Barbara A. Plested, PhD¹, Ruth W. Edwards, MBA, PhD¹, Pamela Jumper-Thurman, PhD¹, and Kathleen J. Kelly, PhD². (1) Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, 100A Sage Hall, Fort Collins, CO 80523, 970-491-6137, barbara.plested@colostate.edu, (2) Department of Marketing, Colorado State University, College of Business, Fort Collins, CO 80523

The Community Readiness Model is a theory-based model that uses community input to assess and to help develop a community’s preparedness to take action on social issues. Drawing on theories of individual readiness for treatment and community development models, the Community Readiness Model assesses readiness based on six dimensions and classifies communities into one of nine stages representing increasing levels of community awareness and readiness to be involved in addressing the issue. Similar to the way in which individual stages of readiness have been used by treatment specialists to design interventions appropriate for individuals, assessing the level of community readiness can be used to assist a community in planning community-wide interventions that are consistent with their readiness level. Using the model depends on a high level of community involvement, resulting in empowerment and community ownership. This focus helps ensure cultural congruence and sustainability. Based on research we have conducted in partnership with rural communities, we present applications of the model in a substance-abuse prevention context. We describe how the model can serve as a guide for developing stage- and culturally-appropriate strategies, and as a catalyst for community action.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe the Community Readiness Model and how it has been used to evaluate readiness to address substance-abuse prevention in rural communities.
• To demonstrate how knowledge of stage of readiness can guide selection of appropriate interventions for maximum effectiveness.

Keywords: Community Development, Substance Abuse Prevention

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.