State and local health departments are increasingly interested in and actively supporting the development of community-based collaborative initiatives for assessment, planning, and evaluation. Partnerships are forming between public health agencies community organizations, representing all sectors.
Many health departments lack the experience or capacity to support these efforts. This poster session will examine an organizational model established in Massachusetts by the state public health department (MDPH)to increase community health by increased emphasis and support for community-based assessment, planning, and evaluation efforts.
Community health improvement activities are fostered through 27 Community Health Networks (CHNAs), which are local coalitions of public, non-profit, and private sector entities working together to improve of the health of individuals, families and communities. Each network has access to community profiles of relevant data and information, which are available electronically through MassCHIP (Massachusetts Community Health Information Profile). A network of ten Prevention Centers funded by the MDPH provides technical assistance and training for local communities and CHNAs.
The poster display will highlight the activities of CHNAs in Greater Worcester and Greater Fall River, MA. These CHNAs participated in the model statewide Master Community Action Planning (MCAP) project, which encourages community collaboration around strategic planning, including use of data, identification of outcomes and participatory evaluation. The Worcester CHNA is involved in youth development health improvement projects. The Fall River CHNA is active in substance abuse prevention, healthy lifestyles, and access to health care. The efforts of both CHNAs are supported by Regional Prevention Centers.
Learning Objectives: 1. The poster session will demonstrate a statewide model for supporting community-based health assessment and evaulation:Massachusetts Department of Public Health supported system of ten regional Prevention Centers and 27 Community Health Networks. 2. Participants will recognize the essential elements of a statewide system to develop and support community based health assement models 3. After viewing the poster and meeting with presenters participants/viewer will be able to: a. identify the essential elements of a successful statewide infrastructure to support community health assessment, planning, and evaluation. b. describe key elements of technical assistance needed by community health coalitions c. understand several case studies of successful community based planning and evaluation efforts that are replicable in other communities. d. identify resources for further information
Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Evaluation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Massachusetts Department of Public/Community Health Network Iniative (CHNAs)
Massachusetts Prevention Centers
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.