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

Abstract #69026

Frances S. Margolin, MA and Gretchen W. Torres, MPP. Health Research and Educational Trust, One North Franklin, 30th floor, Chicago, IL 60606, 312-422-2607, fmargolin@aha.org

It’s become conventional wisdom that members of racial and ethnic minority groups suffer from worse health outcomes and health status than the majority groups in the United States. Hundreds of research studies have documented disparities in access to care and in treatment and outcomes once an individual enters the formal health care system. Over and over again we are hearing people link the issues of disparity, quality, and access. While each has its unique set of drivers and solutions, at the local level these issues are clearly linked. For the past 8 years, the Community Care Network Demonstration has worked with diverse partnerships across the country as they struggle to improve community health. Inevitably, this effort has led them to the question of how to decrease health disparities within their communities. In some rural communities, the disparities were primarily based on socioeconomic status; in most, however, the issue is compounded by racial, ethnic, and (often) cultural and linguistic differences. To reach the underserved, the members of all local minority groups, institutions have learned that they must reach out to nontraditional partners. They must adapt their outreach, their data systems, and their processes of care. They must expand their idea of what qualifies an individual to be a health care worker and what qualities they look for in partners. This session will describe some of the approaches taken in communities and institutions that are willing to expand their horizons and learn from their neighbors—to the benefit of all.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about collaborative approaches among providers and communities to address health disparities
• Identify nontraditional, community-based partners in health care promotion and delivery

Keywords: Partnerships, Minority Health

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.