181826 Health Planning and Policy Development using Community-based Participatory Research Methods: The MoCHA Research Study

Monday, October 27, 2008: 3:00 PM

Penny Caudill , Monroe Counth Health Department, Bloomington, IN
Fernando F. Ona, PhD , Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Mary Lowery , Monroe Counth Health Department, Bloomington, IN
Ashley E. Skooglund , Department of Applied Health and Sciences, Master's in Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Russell K. McIntire, MPH, BA , Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
     
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to conduct an integrated and comprehensive health assessment using community-based participatory research methods (CBPR.

METHODS: Using CBPR methods, this assessment is comprised of core indicators as determined by the community. This in turn was collected and compared to health surveillance data and epidemiologic data from local department, hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Secondary data was then integrated into local core indicator data. This data was then vetted by the community through a series of Town Meetings in each of the 11 districts (townships) of Monroe County, Indiana. Health planning and programming priorities were then collected and presented to policymakers and agencies.

RESULTS: Community-led assessment illustrates contextual and significant local interpretation and analysis of the local health data that does not always align to state-wide health planning and programming. Results also show that continuous, interactive local process with regular updates of the information to support and reinforce local county health initiatives make health planning more relevant to everyday residents. This process allows for a continual scan of the local health environment for changes in conditions and emerging health issues which may result in local strategies.

CONCLUSION: Leveraging the power of local communities and their participation illustrates importance of context specific health planning and policy making that seeks to address community-led health needs. The research findings provide insights for local governmental agencies that plan to devote scarce public health resources to programs that support the health needs of their diverse communities.

Learning Objectives:
Describe how community based participatory research supports and informs health planning and policymaking Examine the development, analysis and dissemination of community health data in relation to state and national data Identify opportunities to include community residents in community health planning, prioritization, implementation and policy-making

Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Community Health Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am currently serving as the Interim Deputy Director of the Monroe County Health Department. I oversee this partnership.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Innovations in Community Partnerships
See more of: Community Health Planning and Policy Development