Abstract

From CHA to CHIP: Using CBPR to Strengthen Local Community Health Assessments and Implementation Plans

Ann Meletzke1 and Stephanie Baker, PhD2
(1)Cone Health - Alamance Regional - Healthy Alamance, Burlington, NC, (2)Elon University, Elon, NC

APHA's 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo (Nov. 2 - Nov. 6)

background: The Alamance County Health Assessment (CHA) historically contained insufficient data on community members not well represented in quantitative surveys. Additionally, Alamance County developed its first Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) in 2015 without community partners. This research project aimed to utilize CBPR principles to better represent the experiences of health among underrepresented groups in Alamance County and partner with them to develop strategies for the CHIP.

objectives: The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify and evaluate the quality of a community health assessment that includes the experiences of health among underrepresented groups); 2) assess the process for and development of strategies for the CHIP using this partnership.

methods: Seven focus groups of people underrepresented in the CHA were conducted, including single-female headed households, LGBTQ-identified individuals, parents of children with disabilities, the Latinx community, and members of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. Focus group guides were semi-structured and questions were guided by a health equity lens. Sessions were audio-recorded and qualitative data analysis was conducted to determine salient themes. Participants were invited to validate themes and partner in the planning and participation of a community forum, sharing results with the broader community.

results: Preliminary themes included: (1) lack of trust in our healthcare system, (2) providers not making connections to food as medicine, (3) having to go above and beyond to access health care, (3) services that organizations offer don’t work for those most impacted by inequities, and (4) the impact of discrimination on social well-being and interactions.

conclusions: Alamance County has relied on quantitative data insufficient at providing a thorough picture of community health. These themes will allow community members’ words to add texture to a document that to date has only included statistics and figures. Incorporating community-academic partnerships into the development of the CHA and CHIP demonstrates an approach communities can adopt which has the potential to impact local policy and influence healthcare system’s approach to distributing community benefits.

public health implications: Sharing results with public health agencies has the potential to reshape Alamance County’s process for partnering to craft solutions.

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs Assessment of individual and community needs for health education Other professions or practice related to public health Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Provision of health care to the public Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health