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

Abstract #115446

Jeff Bachar, MPH¹, Lori Lossie, BA², Tara McCoy, BA², Lisa J. Lefler, PhD², and Ann Bullock, MD¹. (1) Health and Medical Division, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, PO Box 666, Cherokee, NC 28719, 828 497 1970, jjbachar@att.net, (2) Cherokee Choices, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, PO Box 666, Cherokee, NC 28719

Basing policy and systems changes on evidence gathered from community members enhances the legitimacy of these changes and increases the likelihood of their acceptance. This case study chronicles from conceptualization to implementation the culturally appropriate development of policy and systems changes to promote health, in a predominantly Native American elementary school.

In 2000, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians received a REACH 2010 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and implement a diabetes prevention intervention called Cherokee Choices. A health profile of the community was developed from hospital and other data. Discussion groups and in-depth interviews elicited health priorities. The community information and quantitative health data dictated that an intervention be directed towards children. A literature review of successful and unsuccessful health promotion programs indicated that social support was a crucial element. Cherokee Choices staff systematically listened to the perspectives of the school board and school staff during initial design. Community and school input continue to be solicited.

The elementary school intervention designed with this input has been running for 3 years and resulted in policy and system changes. The classroom mentoring component is serving its second cohort. Teachers made schedule changes to allow Cherokee Choices staff to conduct lessons promoting physical and emotional well-being. An after-school component was started.. The program is highly regarded by community members and its reputation has enhanced the success of other facets of the intervention. Community members feel strongly that the program be sustained.

Learning Objectives:

• The learner will be able to identify a culturally appropriate technique for gathering health information from the community.
• The learner will be able to describe a strategy for increasing the likelihood of program sustainability.

Keywords: Native Americans, Community Participation

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.