Partnerships between academic research settings and community agencies can have a great impact in terms of reducing morbidity and mortality associated with a variety of chronic illnesses in the community. These partnerships can bridge the research-based knowledge and the community needs with the intent of developing tailored and theoretically-sound programs on health promotion and disease prevention. However, the process of building these partnerships can be time-consuming and present organizational challenges. The purpose of this presentation is to describe an ambitious partnership developed between the University of Memphis Center for Community Health with two faith-based primary care clinics and the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department. These clinics are the primary providers to a large tri-ethnic, low-income population that is underinsured or uninsured. The ultimate goal of this partnership is work in a collaborative fashion to reduce local mortality and morbidity rates associated with the top five major health issues among low-income patients attending these primary care clinics: hypertension, hypercholesteremia, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. This goal will be achieved through the development of culturally-sensitive and tailored interventions based on an on-going needs assessment being conducted with approximately 7,000 patients attending these clinics. The development of the partnership (e.g., proposed methodology, financial arrangements, credibility issues, etc.), roles of agencies, strategies used, and benefits and compromises from all parties will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: To become acquainted with the steps involved in a successful collaboration between an academic research setting and primary care clinics that serve low-income populations
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Low-Income
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.