A culturally relevant adaptation of a parental monitoring prevention strategy to serve Latino and somali portlanders

Background: Cultural competency in assisting communities of focus is vital to the practice of public health. The Minority Health Program (MHP) worked to identify root causes contributing to underage drinking in the Latino and Somali communities and partnered with 21 Reasons to help address those root causes. Methods: MHP worked closely with community stakeholders to implement SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). Underage drinking was identified as a top concern. Table Talks were chosen as a strategy. Table Talks are small, informal, facilitated gatherings among parents of teen's friends to open up a dialogue on common risks their teens face such as underage drinking, and to provide an opportunity for families to share their norms and expectations. 21 Reasons, having expertise in Table Talks, was chosen to train Somali and Spanish community members as Table Talk facilitators. These facilitators, in turn, adapted and translated Table Talks materials in order to make them accessible to their own communities. Results: Success stories include improved family harmony, appropriate “contracts” between parents and teens, and increased community dialogue. There several clients connected with needed services, followed-up, and access to healthcare. Strengthened working relationships between stakeholders in Greater Portland area in order to address a public health issue. Conclusions: By following the lead of the communities in focus, maintaining clear roles and expectations, and providing support and resources from a partner's core area of expertise, prevention providers can partner with a community of focus and successfully assist in adapting and employing evidence based best practices