Corey R. Riley, MPH and Jared Florance, MD. CDC Public Health Prevention Service, Prince William Health District, 9301 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110, 703-792-6755, corey.riley@vdh.virginia.gov

The Prince William Health Partnership Authority (PWHPA) is comprised of local government officials, business leaders, and private health care providers from each of three jurisdictions in Virginia’s Prince William Health District. These partners work together to address persistent public health challenges at the community level. In 2001, the Virginia General Assembly House Bill 2060 formally established PWHPA as an authority designed to develop and support community and public, non-profit health partnerships. However, the house bill also prohibited PWHPA from receiving funding from, or directly competing for funding against, any local government agency or community based organization.

Despite operating under strict funding mandates and within a complex political environment, PWHPA continues to be successful in addressing community public health needs. The Authority’s recent accomplishments include successfully competing for a federal grant to curb alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among youth; securing earned television and print media; and funding and filling Executive Director and Project Manager positions.

This presentation will discuss the challenges related to coordinating a community health partnership’s planning and program activities, such as negotiating jurisdictional differences and identifying and sustaining programs with limited funding sources. Key steps for maintaining an effective community health authority, such as solidifying a strong partnership with local health departments, will be presented. PWHPA’s creative funding and strategic planning efforts will also be highlighted.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to

• Identify the key components, members, and processes that lead to an effective government sanctioned, independently operated health partnership.
• Describe the important role The Prince William Health Partnership Authority plays in Virginia’s overall public health system, and identify useful functions of similar authorities in other communities.
• Discuss challenges related to the coordination and maintenance of a community health authority, and identify strategies for addressing challenges discussed.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Funding

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.