For the Sake of All: Engaging cross-sector audiences to address health disparities in St. Louis, Missouri

Background: African Americans bear disproportionate burdens of disease, disability, and death in St. Louis, Missouri. Health disparities are closely linked to social determinants of health (SDH) like education and income, but public understanding of these relationships remains limited. For the Sake of All is an ongoing community education project designed to expand the consideration of health disparities beyond medical care and personal responsibility; to inform policy makers and the public regarding SDH; and to present data on the impact of persistent disparities. Methods: A Community Partner Group was convened to advise on the content of five policy briefs detailing the impact of poverty, education, mental health, segregation, and chronic disease on health outcomes and on policy recommendations. Briefs were released from August-December 2013, were professionally designed, and adhered to health literacy standards. A final report will be released in May 2014. Results: Preliminary findings demonstrate a strong local response, due in part to proactive media partnerships and broad community engagement. As of February 2014, the project web site had been viewed 6,880 times by 2,349 unique visitors; there were over 30 instances of television, print, and online media coverage; and more than 35 community leaders and organizations had been directly engaged. Lessons learned and the results of briefings with state and local policy makers will also be shared. Conclusion: The combination of data presentation, coordinated communication, community engagement, and a policy focus offers a framework by which other communities may develop a dialogue regarding health disparities and the social determinants of health.