To highlight the complex relationship between environment, health, genetics, socioeconomics and ethnicity/race, two coalitions convened forums in Seattle in September 2000. The US Office of Minority Health, Public Health: Seattle and King County and a coalition representing community partners organized ‘Forum on Race, Class, Ethnicity and Health’. The goal was to develop practical strategies for reducing health disparities. Representatives with varied backgrounds examined the impact on health, of issues such as language and culture, environment, institutional biases, economic opportunity/equity and education. Over 100 individuals participated in workshops and plenary sessions. Workshops, culminating in a January 2002 conference, are being planned to implement the recommendations from the forum and to advocate for opportunities for communities to engage in health-promoting behaviors. A similar endeavor lead by the NIEHS Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health, ‘Voices for Healthy Environments, Healthy Communities’, focused on environmental health/justice issues in Washington. The planning team made an effort to have equal representation from community organizations, governmental agencies, scientists and affected individuals. Over 200 participants attended workshops, discussion circles and the open-mike session. Outcomes of the town meeting include an established partner network to share resources and information, and to continue the dialogue around environmental health issues. These events were successful because of the strong community partnerships and each coalition's commitment to a truly participatory process. Communities can utilize forums and conferences as a first step for addressing public/environmental health equity issues. This session will describe how to make your partner-driven event successful.
Learning Objectives: List the stakeholders with an interest in environmental justice and health disparity issues Recognize the barriers often encountered during the planning phase Identify advocacy tools which will help implement systemic changes
Keywords: Environmental Justice, Community Involvement
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.