Ellen M. Dawson, PhD, College of Nursing and Health Science, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, 703-993-1731, edawson@gmu.edu and Lyzette Ryan, Community Health Worker, CHIP, Arlington Department of Human Services, 3033 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300B, Arlington, VA 22201.

Appropriate access to health care in a time of limited financial and human resources will depend on the collaboration and partnerships of the entire community. Our challenge is to educate the consumer on the available services and facilitate their appropriate use of those services. The purpose of this research was two fold: (a) to survey agencies in the Northern Virginia area who provided health promotion activities and enlist them in a countywide project, and (b) to identify by their focused participation variables that facilitate and/or limit community health outreach workers. The overall goal of the project was to develop and sustain a coordinated community action activity throughout the county. Analysis of the surveys and focus groups data yielded findings that have been integrated into subsequent phases of the project to enhance sustainability of the community outreach programs. This presentation will report on the findings from the qualitative research where five themes emerged: Transportation; Language; Fear and Mistrust; Lack of Insurance; and Cultural Beliefs. A conference/ workshop was developed and implemented based on the focus group findings, which was not originally planned. Community-Based Participatory Research has guided this project from the beginning as individuals and community group participation have been in the overall process through the steps acquiring a feeling of "ownership" for the overall success of the project and as it continues today. One of the two presenters is a Community Health Worker who was and is involved in this project.

Learning Objectives: