4109.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - Board 1

Abstract #25858

Building a community coalition to reduce infant mortality: A North Carolina success story

J. Nelson-Weaver, DrPH candidate, Forsyth County Infant Mortality Reduction Coalition, Forsyth County Department of Public Health, P.O. Box 686, Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0686, 336-727-2434 x3870, nelsonj2@iris.co.forsyth.nc.us

Through innovative partnerships and strategies, the Forsyth County Infant Mortality Reduction Coalition has successfully built a comprehensive community-wide coalition to address high infant mortality rates. In this presentation, the coalition will share the strategies they used for building partnerships, encouraging community participation, creating a comprehensive plan, and securing grant funding. Engaging a wide variety of partners in the coalition’s efforts allows us to make use of the wealth of resources already available in the Winston-Salem area. Resource centers located in three communities serve as a critical link between the coalition, the county health department, and community members at the highest risk for infant deaths. With the diverse knowledge and experience of the coalition board membership, a comprehensive plan was developed that address a broad range of issues in different sectors of our communities. Finally, by seeking to access primarily local funding sources, our coalition has built local support for this community issue.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:  Identify the various partners in their own community who can be invited into a coalition.  Apply strategies that enhance community participation.  Understand the steps of creating a comprehensive plan.  Assess the funding resources available within their community.

Keywords: Infant Mortality, Coalition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Empolyer

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA