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

Abstract #66761

Marcela Vasquez, MPH, Rocio Gonzalez-Luna, MPH, Aimee Reedy, MPH, Guadalupe S Olivas, PhD, Hozefa Divan, MSPH, Maritza Rodriguez, BS, and Dorothy T. Tule, MPH. Santa Clara County Public Health Department, 3003 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128

Through the Partnership for the Public’s Health (PPH) initiative, a grant designed to improve community health by fostering partnerships between health departments, community organizations, and residents, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD) and Healthy Ventures of Mountain View (Partnership) conducted a community-driven health assessment. The health assessment occurred in an ethnically diverse neighborhood in Mountain View referred to as the Castro School Service Area (CSSA). The CSSA has a total estimated population of 12,245, of which 4,602 are White, 4,594 Hispanic, 2,369 Asian, 328 African American, and 352 other/mixed races.

A community forum was held to orient residents to PPH, the Partnership, and to identify community need and assets. The SCCPHD used the information to develop a community survey of asset and need for the CSSA. Residents interested in participating in the process were later contacted and trained to administer the survey. Residents administered the survey by canvassing door to door. A subset of these residents became involved in a core team of residents referred to as Neighborhood Action Team-NAT. Participants in NAT have taken a leadership role in recruitment of new members, mobilization of the community to attend meetings to refine and focus the results of the survey and to strategize solutions to address unmet need.

Traditionally, the SCCPHD has profiled health status of populations countywide, however, the PPH initiative has made it possible for the SCCPHD to partner with residents to develop, administer, and report on a community assessment lead by residents.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:
• Recognize the value of partnering with community residents to develop, and implement community level health assessments.
• Identify ways to overcome challenges/barriers related to working with community residents.

Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grant