Oral

Public health advocates have faced challenges in establishing community partnerships such as varied level of participation, selecting projects that align with multiple organizations' missions, competing priorities, and determining how to incorporate underrepresented voices. Advocates have recognized that it takes time to build relationships, constituents need to feel comfortable sharing issues that are important to them before selecting a project, and groups need to choose projects that are supported by most stakeholders. Presenters in this session address these topics and more, including reducing racial and ethnic health disparities, using digital photography, GPS, and GIS to collaboratively strengthen health information networks, and evaluating Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) readiness.

Session Objectives: Assess the community and environmental contributions to health, safety, well-being, physical activity, and nutrition. Discuss improvements in health and well being of communities by utilizing useful environmental and socio-economic data.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)