Gaps in health care for different risk groups, especially older adults, have widened as the population in the U.S. has aged. Today, individuals live longer in the community with chronic conditions that limit their abilities. While many services are available, older adults can't access them because they are fragmented. The challenge was to bring together five separate agencies/organizations to work collaboratively to develop a mission statement, plan, and implement a health promotion and cancer prevention program. Unrestricted appropriated funds were secured through the state legislature for a Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention program to educate and empower older adults in five Chicago neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are multi-cultural and include a limited English speaking population. A number of community based agencies were invited to come together under the leadership of an appointed facilitator/project planner. Each agency/organization proposed their own intervention for older adults that addressed the target population, set qualitative and quantitative goals and objectives, outlined tasks and prepared an evaluation plan. Information was compiled and analyzed to assess opportunities for collaboration and coordination among agencies. This methodical process stimulated agencies to create individual programs that would function to create synergy among the partners. The products of this process were programs which link medical, health and social services, and community resources to fill gaps more comprehensively. Mechanisms are now in place for increased and enhanced communication. Inter-agency collaboration and coordination, including resource sharing, has blossomed. Tools and techniques will be presented.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe a process for development of a cohesive community based multi-agency project. 2. Articulate a program that enhances collaboration among distinct agencies that create synergy among the project partners.
Keywords: Collaboration, Community Planning
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.