Examining partnerships among local health departments and faith communities in the United States

Partnerships between public health and faith communities are encouraged at national, state, and local levels. Local health departments (LHDs) play a major role in collaborating with faith communities to enhance their organizational practices and improve health outcomes. Data for this study were obtained from the 2005 National Profile of Local Health Departments (Profile Study), a project supported through a cooperative agreement between the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 426 LHDs, (85% response rate) completed the partnership module of the Profile Study; 361 reported engaging faith communities in one or more partnership activities. Thirty-three percent (n = 141[of 426]) of the partnerships reported exchanging information and working together as their primary activities. About 7% (n=31 [of 426]) of LHDs reported providing financial resources and 4% (n=18 [of 426]) have the leadership role within the partnership with faith communities. Anticipated results of analysis are that jurisdictions with a population greater than 12% African Americans were more likely to partner with faith communities. Furthermore, LHDs having a community improvement plan and providing financial resources and taking the leadership role are positively associated with the presence of partnerships. Implications of these findings would provide further need for analysis of factors that influence LHDs' abilities to work efficiently with faith communities.