Outcomes associated with measuring quality of life: A look at 15 years of community-based participatory research

Introduction/Background: The Healthy Community Council (HCC) is a community coalition with the mission “to enhance quality of life for the community through collaborative efforts of individuals, agencies and institutions.” Goals of the HCC include: 1) conducting needs assessments, identifying the priorities from the assessment data, and assisting and supporting community initiatives aligned with the community priorities. Since 1995, the HCC has conducted four assessments (1996, 2001, 2006, 2011). Methods: In each of the assessments conducted by the HCC, a sample of community members were contacted via phone and asked to complete a community-specific assessment instrument. Data were analyzed and priorities identified based on the assessment results. Assessment data was also compared to state, national and Healthy People goals when appropriate. Data is made available to the community for use when developing grants, contracts, and community programs. Results: Outcomes since 1996 that can be attributed to the use of the HCC assessment data include: 1) a community health center, 2) a community resource center, 3) an intergenerational day-care center, 4) youth council, 5) elder alliance, 6) LEED certified buildings, 7) recycling center, 8) suitcase clinic for the homeless, 9) food co-op and 10) over 10 million in grants and contracts. Conclusions: While conducting community-specific assessments using community-based participatory research techniques has the basic benefit of learning about the needs of the community, the data can also be beneficial in seeking funds and developing programs and initiatives.