Using a community implemented activity to address racial disparities in infant mortality in Genesee County, Michigan

The Genesee County REACH 2010 project is a multi-faceted plan addressing racial disparities in infant mortality, focusing on three themes: community mobilization, enhancing the baby-care system, and reducing racism.

Community Dialogues are a four-weeks of guided discussion using a trained facilitator to engage representatives from various community sectors to develop recommendations to address this significant health disparity within Flint/Genesee County. Four questions are utilized to guide the discussion:

Week 1 What is the problem? Week 2 What are the causes of the problem? Week 3 What are the possible solutions? Week 4 What is the best solution?

The dialogue process also employs a recorder to assist in documenting participants' comments and an observer to record the interactions and nuances important to understanding the dynamics of the groups. Notes from each session are summarized and utilized from week-to-week and to work toward building consensuses for a final action plan.

Seven action plans have been generated to date. The action plans include: a One Stop Village; connecting with the hospital systems to engage OB/GYN's and medical residents; enhancing education and training opportunities through collaboration with the local University; a drop-in center; a men's group; a women's group; and a teen group. All activities are committed to reducing the disparity between African American and White infant mortality rates in Flint, MI.