Oral

Each abstract in this session examines the impact of community health policy and planning on a different health topic. In the first abstract, presenters will address the need to ensure safe and healthy food is available for those in need of it and how they used a collaborative process to address this unmet need. In the second abstract, presenters look at how water distribution methods influence knowledge, attitudes and practices, as well as rates of water-related infections in Alaskan Native villages. The third abstract examines the role of local autonomy in adopting successful malt liquor policies. The fourth uses data to demonstrate how changes in funding for public health preparedness may impact infectious disease morbidity levels. And the final abstract sums up the impact of policy, funding, and disease outcomes by, using diabetes as an example, examining the burden health disparities put not only on individuals and their families, but the community at large.

Session Objectives: Explain how to build trust and forge collaborative partnerships among community groups. Assess the association between water distribution system, water use behaviors, and health outcomes. Describe how level of local control may influence likelihood of policies to restrict sales of malt liquor. Describe the impact of budget cuts on infectious disease morbidity.

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