Racial & ethnic approaches to community health (REACH) models

In May 2010, REACH 2010 observed its 10th Anniversary in Washington, DC to celebrate community, recognize success and to continue to build health equity among diverse populations. Forty-four Action Communities and Centers of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities (CEEDs) currently receive funding from the CDC REACH U.S. program (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health). Each project/center's multi-sectoral coalition is mobilizing communities to promote social justice, influence healthy policy and eliminate racism to achieve health equity in priority population(s). Each center is unique, reflecting the individuality of every community coalition, the selected health problem area and the needs and assets of its priority population(s). However, all projects share common features known as the REACH Model that collectively contribute to reducing health disparities that occur by race, ethnicity, education, income, or geographic location, a Healthy People 2010 goal. The REACH Model is practice-based, culturally relevant, place-focused, socio-ecological and relies on community-based participatory approaches. Key findings from the REACH U.S. Risk Factor Survey will be shared along with case examples from the African American, Latino American, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander communities to illustrate the common features and significant impact of the REACH Model.