Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110359

Geneva M. Edwards, MPH, Lead Poisoning Prevention Unit, Cook County Department of Public Health, 1010 Lake Street, Suite 300, Oak Park, IL 60301, (708) 492-2956, gedward@cookcountygov.com and Gina L. Massuda, MPH, Health Promotion Unit, Cook County Department of Public Health, 1010 Lake Street, Suite 300, Oak Park, IL 60301.

Through local financial resources, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Unit (LPPU) of the Cook County Department of Public Health allocates funds to successful grantees who then assist eligible homeowners in completing lead abatement and/or mitigation activities. While abating/mitigating lead hazards is critical primary prevention, increasing awareness and education about lead poisoning and its prevention, as well as conducting environmental investigations and providing case management to eligible children and their families remains integral to a comprehensive approach. To achieve this end, the LPPU collaborates internally with the CCDPH Units of Health Promotion, Environmental Health, and Integrated Health Support Services.

To ensure utilization of evidence-based practice by and communication between all Units working to address lead poisoning, the LPPU utilized a strategic planning model that can be employed by other agencies. This model incorporates several steps, including, but not limited to, conducting a thorough assessment of lead poisoning and related factors within targeted areas; determining internal needs and assets via methods such as a SWOT analysis; and incorporating planning steps. The strengths and challenges in developing a joint strategic plan will further be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe importance of engaging internal partners.
• List steps in developing a collaborative strategic plan.
• Recognize the strengths and challenges in using the described approach.

Keywords: Lead, Planning

Related Web page: www.cookcountypublichealth.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation