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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Beverly J. McElmurry, EdD, FAAN1, Aaron G. Buseh, PhD, MPH, MSN2, Chang Gi. Park, PhD1, Elissa Dresen, ND, RN1, Peg Dublin, RN3, and Seijeoung Kim, PhD4. (1) College of Nursing, Global Health Leadership Office, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 South Damen Avenue, RM 1160, Chicago, IL 60612, (312) 996-3035, mcelmurr@uic.edu, (2) School of Nursing, Department of Health Maintenance, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1921 East Hartford Avenue, RM 569, Milwaukee, WI 53211, (3) Chicago Health Corps, 845 S. Damen (MC 802), Chicago, IL 60612, (4) Hektoen Research Institute, 1900 W. Polk Street, Administration Building, Room# 902, Chicago, IL 60612
The health and social problems faced by many urban communities are multiple and often require collaboration among all stakeholders. Academic institutions are in a unique position to strengthen the health of communities through partnership with local communities. Such collaboration requires significant changes in the way most universities view knowledge development. In community-based participatory health projects, the strengths and resources of local communities must be maximized.
Our abstract presents an example of a successful program in which the university collaboration with several stakeholders creates a common vision to improve the health of local communities. We present findings from program activities, member's development, and lessons learned. The goal of Chicago Health Corps (CHC) an AmeriCorps Program established in 1994, is to provide meaningful opportunities for CHC members to assist their communities in providing healthcare, help members to develop an awareness of issues affecting their local communities, and create an ethic of service to the community.
The CHC recruits and deploys talented individuals in selected community sites that offer primary health care services to underserved families in Chicago. CHC members receive training on a variety of public health issues. Members provide a combination of outreach, home visits, health education, and case management services.
Outcomes are member development, community building, community experiences of members, and outcomes related to the collaborative process. Although collaboration can benefit both universities and communities, there are obstacles and tensions in these partnerships. Strategies used to nurture and sustain the partnerships are also presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Community Health Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.