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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Robert O. Walsh, MHE, PhD, Department of Community Health, Utah Valley State College, 800 W. University Pkwy., PE 228, Orem, UT 84058-5999, (801) 863-6193, barbarawalsh@sfcn.org

The federal government's interest in transferring responsibility for health and social programs from public institutions to faith communities has caused a number of religious congregations to re-examine their roles and missions within the larger community. Paramount to this process is the ability to generate and prioritize both the needs of the community and the ability of congregations to meet those needs.

This investigation follows the experiences of two Christian congregations in a majority Mormon community, Provo, Utah. Each congregation generated a priority list using the nominal group process of decision-making combined with a modified version of the Hanlon Method of Prioritization.

Groups were randomly divided into smaller groups with a facilitator over each. Members were given time to identify priorities. Time was then given for voicing support or opposition. A silent voting process was then conducted and tallies compiled.

A modified version of the Hanlon method was implemented. The traditional categories of size, seriousness and feasibility of intervention were expanded to include items such as disruption to the community/society, social importance, and practicality for funding as a faith-based initiative. Although probability for funding was not the driving motivation behind the process, it was a consideration. The results were reported back to each congregation. The investigator then compared the results of both congregations.

This work is important as a means of matching the mission of faith communities to the needs of the larger community in the ever-increasing transference of both health and social programs away from the governmental sector.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will

• recognize the potential relationship between the faith community and public health.
• apply public health priority setting methods in a faith community.
• recognize the strength of the faith community in meeting the Millenium Goals.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered