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Model rural healthy community: Framework for success and sustainability

Barbara Quiram, PhD and Gail Treece. Office of Special Programs, School of Rural Public Health Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, 3000 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 310, Bryan, TX 77802, (979) 845-2387, bjquiram@srph.tamushsc.edu

The School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, and a private foundation have worked in collaboration since 1998, to conduct a community health assessment, promote the development of a healthy community, and create a sense of oneness between two rural Texas communities. The community health assessment, completed June 2000, identified areas of public health concern: aging, emergency care, and youth activities. The two partners sought to engage the communities in the process of local health-related problem solving.

Success and sustainability emerged from the formation of community working groups with the mission of improving the problem areas identified through the community assessment. Community members engaged and challenged resources, building on existing assets to establish, expand, and promote public health activities identified by the community working groups.

This process was so successful that a transition group of partners was organized to move the Healthy Community Initiative to a community based, community owned and directed organization. The framework, structure and plan was developed by the partners promoting the vision of two rural communities working together to become their ideal of a Rural Healthy Community.

Their vision of a Rural Healthy Community was access to information and services, community capacity building promoting health, and community values and the value of each community, enhanced and planned to improve the health and quality of life for all residents.

Learning Objectives: Model rural healthy community