This paper builds upon the strengths of a community and demonstrates the value of social work intervention at a macro practice level, using strengths to build resources for needs. Access to oral health care for children, both uninsured and medicaid eligible was a problem in rural southern Illinois, illustrated through this case study. In addition, access to preventative and restorative services for adults was also a problem. This case study illustrates how the use of asset mapping (Kretzmann and McNight) could be used to strengthen the face of oral health services in a rural community. A group of community stakeholders came together to address the issues related to access for oral health services for children. The process included a needs assessment, which incorporated an "assets based" approach to the assessment process, facilitated through the local public health department and School of Social Work's representatives. Through the pooling of various stakeholder's strengths, a strategy to improve oral health services primarily for children, but also addressing issues across the life course was identified. This paper will also identify the model used, discuss the process of asset mapping and implications for its use in other areas of community resource need.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will: 1. Be able to identify how social workers can impact a public health need, through the use of asset mapping. 2. Be familiar with a case study which demonstrates the use of community coalitions. 3. Identify the steps in the process of coalition building.
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Rural Communities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.