Community mobilization for the elimination of health disparities: Determining readiness

Racial and Ethnic health disparities have been well documented. Both community engagement and action have been suggested as a means by which to reduce their presence. In an effort to be a catalyst for the mobilization of a sustainable statewide effort accelerating the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities in Massachusetts, Critical MASS, a statewide coalition was formed. Critical MASS is a public-private partnership that extends beyond the healthcare delivery system to include grassroots action at the local, regional and state levels. In an effort to engage communities throughout the state, Critical MASS designed and implemented a “readiness” assessment to assess community assets in addition to gauging the level of motivation of a given community to mobilize for action towards the elimination of health disparities. Here we report on the results of the readiness pilot. The readiness assessment was piloted in a Massachusetts community between July and August 2006. Initial community leaders were identified using the snowball method of sampling. A total of eight semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. The data was coded thematically and then compared against the pre-established readiness criteria to determine the level of readiness for the given community. Once determined, the readiness level and a data summary report were presented to community leaders and stakeholders. Based on the level of readiness identified, Critical MASS and the community stakeholders collaboratively developed a plan of action to fortify community action towards the elimination of health disparities.