Recorded presentation

Ruth W. Edwards, PhD, Psychology, Colorado State University, Tri-Ethnic Center for Prevention Research, Sage Hall, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, 970-491-6827, redwards@lamar.colostate.edu and Barbara A. Plested, PhD, Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, 100A Sage Hall, Fort Collins, CO 80523.

The Community Readiness Model is a theory-based model that uses community input to assess and to help develop a community's preparedness to take action on issues relevant to the community. Drawing on theories of individual readiness for treatment and community development models, the Community Readiness model assesses readiness based on six dimensions and classifies communities into one of nine stages representing increasing levels of community awareness and readiness to be involved in addressing the issue. The assessment is a useful methodology for researchers and practitioners alike. For researchers, communities can be screened on readiness prior to inclusion in studies where readiness level might be a significant factor affecting the community's level of participation. For practitioners, the model can be used as a roadmap to guide efforts aimed at prevention and/or intervention. In this application, Community Readiness Assessment was utilized to gain an understanding of issues relevant to inhalant use prevention in rural communities. Communities with ethnic populations representative of those among whom inhalant use has been reported to be high (Mexican American, American Indian and White non-Hispanic) as well as communities with populations representing groups among whom inhalant use has often been reported to be low (African American and Asian American) were assessed. Results will be presented showing differing levels of readiness overall and on each of the six dimensions which have implications for prevention efforts in rural communities

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be
• familiar with how to utilize the concept of community readiness to build effective prevention strategies;
• knowledgeable on ethnic differences and similarities specific to inhalant use prevention in rural communities

Keywords: Community Research, Community Involvement

Related Web page: www.TriEthnicCenter.ColoState.Edu

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.

Recorded presentation