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

Abstract #115828

Monique Barber, MPH, The University of Texas Prevention Research Center, CHPPR/University of Texas School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin, UCT 2672 E, Houston, TX 77030, 713-500-9798, mbarber1@uth.tmc.edu, Jane Peranteau, PhD, St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities, 3100 Main St., Suite 800, Houston, TX 77002, and Linda E. Forys, EdM, CHES, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, 2223 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027.

Purpose: To describe a model used to help build community capacity to impact child and adolescent health. Setting: The University of Texas Prevention Research Center's (UTPRC) Community Advisory Group (CAG) was established in 1986 as a group of academic researchers and community representatives. The CAG is comprised of approximately 30 individuals, representing approximately 18 community-based organizations, local, and state organizations. Interventions: Using principles of community based participatory research, CAG members were engaged as full partners in the process of developing a research agenda and logic model for the UTPRC program, and identifying a mechanism to foster community-academic collaborations, and focus on carefully identified child and adolescent health priorities. Outcomes: CAG members and UTPRC staff worked collaboratively to develop a mechanism to support collaborative research projects between community organizations and academic researchers to enhance child and adolescent health in Harris County, with special emphasis on high risk populations. Conclusion: Greater community involvement in health research ensures that scientists and communities act in tandem to address relevant health issues. Ideas of collaboration and community participation have been expanded and there is more widespread commitment and participation by all partners. Strategies for adding “local knowledge” to professional inquiry enhance our understanding of a community and its issues, and strengthen our efforts to improve the health and well being of community members

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify strategies for capacity building and lessons learned from the collaborative process.

Keywords: Community Capacity, Community Collaboration

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.