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

Abstract #112948

Carolyn H. Mason, MS, RN, Department of Nursing, Miami University, 1385 University Blvd., Hamilton, OH 45011-3399, 513-829-1065, masonch@muohio.edu

“Collaborate with community partners to promote the health of the population” is a public health nursing competence. This project was designed to help meet the severe needs of those with mental illness in one county in Ohio. Mental health agencies were experiencing severe financial needs with the loss of funding, increased numbers of people needing help, and a growing population in the county. Lack of adequate resources and community support was at a crisis point. It was also recognized many people turn to their place of worship for emotional and spiritual support when experiencing mental distress. Although desiring to be supportive, many times faith communities lack personnel, knowledge or necessary skills to help those with mental illnesses. Collaborative partnerships between two community systems to help meet the needs of those with mental illnesses were initiated in this time of economic shortfall. This project was a way to role model for RN/BSN students how community health nurses can initiate collaborative research partnership projects. Students are taught steps necessary to facilitate a community partnership, helped to critically think how to involve stake holders in the process and problem solve when challenges are presented. Community partners benefit by increasing resources for those with mental illnesses and nursing faculty benefit in an ongoing research project.

Learning Objectives:

• •Describe how nurse educators can role model public health competencies through a community health collaborative partnership.
• •Discuss ways that students can become involved in a community partnership project.
• •Identify ways the partnership model can benefit communities, students and faculty.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Public Health Research

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.