Grassroots Successes Engaged Communities Meet Their Own Health Needs

As an organization with decades of experience providing health resources for and field testing with community-based, health-focused organizations around the world, Hesperian has observed a variety of outcomes in health projects and had the opportunity to identify factors that contribute to self-sustainability and successes. Particularly effective organizations, while diverse in approach, share a focus on broad community engagement and linkages to external resources that go beyond the formal health system. This presentation will address the diversity of skills and tactics that these organizations have utilized to encourage engagement in their programs and build upon pre-existing strengths in their communities. It will also touch upon ways that community organizations can link into larger health care systems, and outline what we as ‘outside’ organizations can contribute to community ownership, affordability, and culturally appropriate projects.