Strength in numbers: Capacity building to improve Latino health

The complexities of today's health and social problems, especially HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy, are often poorly suited to traditional public health interventions. Community-based participatory research is one approach to working with communities that involves community members in all phases of the research process. This presentation will describe grass-roots efforts by Latino leaders to improve the health of the new Latino community in North Carolina. The early phases of community-based participatory research with the Hispanic Community Development Center and a university college of nursing will be described. In 2008 Wayne County, North Carolina experienced an increase in the HIV/AIDS case rate, which included one HIV positive birth outcome. At the same time, the county went from ranking 10th highest in the state to 4th highest in teen-age pregnancy among Latinas. Mainstream organizations sought the advice of Latino leaders and partnerships were developed. Initially, Latino leaders became HIV/AIDS trainers in the community and participated in the statewide, “Get Real-Get Tested” campaign that targeted eastern North Carolina. Later, a leadership training grant, through Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP), provided Latino leaders with research skills in data collection and human participants protection. The Hispanic Community Development Center is now a non-traditional test site for the HIV 1-2 antibody test and Latino leaders have the core authority and responsibility for all aspects of the program. The impact of capacity building strategies on Latino leadership and the Latino community will be highlighted.