B Free CEED: Using a CBPA Approach to Eliminate Hepatitis B Related Disparities in Asian & Pacific Islander Populations (as part of a panel discussion REACHing for Social Justice: Highlights of REACH Programs Working to Advance Health Equity)

This abstract is being proposed as a joint panel. Hepatitis B (HBV) is recognized as a major health disparity in Asian Pacific Islanders (API), affecting an estimated 10-15% of APIs nationally compared to 0.3% of the general U.S. population. HBV primary affects the most vulnerable group of recent immigrants from East and Southeast Asia where infection is endemic and vaccinations have not been widely available. Efforts to address health disparities require a multi-disciplinary approach. Incumbent on the success is the need to culturally tailor and disseminate interventions to the target community. In 2007, the Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU School of Medicine and its partner coalition (i.e., community-based organizations, health clinics, hospitals, and council members), was one of eighteen sites designated as a CDC Center of Excellence for the Elimination of Disparities (CEED). The mission of B Free CEED is to serve as a national resource and expert center on the elimination of HBV disparities among APIs through the development and dissemination of multi-level, evidence-based best practices and activities. Using a community-based participatory approach (CBPA), the B Free CEED partnership coalition leads all aspects of its interventions and activities. The main local partners include a community health center, the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, and a community-based organization, the Korean Community Services of Metro NY. A larger national coalition of organizations, agencies, and groups provides guidance on the overall activities and projects. Lessons learned and strategies will be shared on building and maintaining a coalition of partners and networks and how decision-making are operationalized to address a significant health disparity facing a “hard to reach” population.