|
|
|
|
|
Erika Sundrud, MA1, Celia Larson, PhD1, Linda McClelland, MPH2, and Heather Keith, BS3. (1) Metro Public Health Department, 311 23rd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-340-2164, erika.sundrud@nashville.gov, (2) Nashville REACH 2010 Project, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, 1501 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37208, (3) Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County Health Department, 311 23rd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203
Nashville’s REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) 2010 mission is to reduce and in time eliminate the disparities found in cardiovascular disease and diabetes among African Americans in North Nashville. To maximize the initiative’s efforts it is important that strategies are aligned with the target populations perceptions of their own community. The purpose of this study was to help the Nashville REACH 2010 project gain a better understanding of how individuals define “community” and the extent to which they identify with it. The results will be used to further investigate this topic and how it impacts on interventions. REACH 2010 team members created the Community Identity survey to gain a better understanding of “community” and to better educate and serve the people of North Nashville. The survey consisted of six questions including both closed and open-ended response formats. The survey was conducted at several locations in North Nashville including churches and businesses. The survey sample consisted of forty patrons of these locations. Half of the respondents lived and/or worked in North Nashville. Thirty-six percent attended church in North Nashville and 23% attended school in North Nashville. Respondents defined the term “community” using the words; people, family, and neighborhood. Thirty-three percent (n=13) said they did feel like they were a part of a community. Some respondents reported they did not feel like they were a part of a community (n=23, 57%). The presentation will discuss the evaluation of these issues and the application of strategies to address them.
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.