Giving back: Sharing the results of a community health survey to improve community health outcomes

Background: The Speak To Your Health! (STYH) Community Survey is a biennial community health survey developed collaboratively by community, health department, and university partners of the Prevention Research Center of Michigan (PRC/MI). Guided by the principles of community-based participatory research, sharing the results with residents and community organizations is an essential step for improving community health. In this presentation, we describe three methods used to disseminate the survey results to the community: 1) community presentations, 2) monthly health briefs, and 3) a data website. Methods: We present the results of each survey at a community-led event, the most recent of which was an all-day symposium highlighting the findings and featuring speakers from several community organizations. We distribute monthly health briefs, which feature relevant data and local resources, specifically geared toward community residents. We also launched a comprehensive website that provides access to data tables, GIS maps, and health briefs. Results: Over 100 community members have attended each rollout event, including residents, community organization members, and local media. We have produced 27 health briefs, which are distributed to more than 300 community members and partners through email. Since January 2013, 55 community members have registered for the website and accessed or downloaded data. Conclusions: Using multiple methods of dissemination is an effective strategy to ensure that research data is available and accessible to the community. Findings from the STYH Community Survey have been used for health program planning and evaluation, grant proposals, community education, and policy development.