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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kathryn G. Denhardt, PhD, Judi T. Haberkorn, MBA, MPH, MSW, and Lynn Foote. School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy, University of Delaware, 296 Graham Hall, Newark, DE 19716, 302-831-3264, kgden@udel.edu

The struggles of the urban poor are innumerable and at times, life-threatening. The current life of an inner city resident is often one of poverty, poor access to basic life necessities (i.e. health care, clean air, adequate food and nutrition), and often surrounded by a cloud of violence. Given the basic quest to survive on a day-to-day basis, how is health defined by low-wealth communities? Are long-term or chronic health issues on the priority list of urbanites? Does the community take health matters into account when confronting issues that they are presented with? What does this mean both for the communities themselves, the public health workers that serve these communities and the professional planners who are designing “ideal” environments/communities? This paper will illuminate the literature that exists regarding this complex topic as well as discuss the findings of research conducted in the City of Wilmington, Delaware

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize the potential disconnect between the perceptions of health workers as it pertains to community needs and the manner in which the community defines “health needs”.
• Articulate the health priorities of low-wealth community members.
• Assess the need for further expansion of this research and its value for public health advocates.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Poverty

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered