The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42398

Nancy A. De Leon, MGA¹, Carol L Rogers, PA¹, Lorraine E. Matthews, MS, RD², Michelle S. Davis, PhD, MSPH³, and Vanessa Farrell, MPH¹. (1) Health Commissioner's Office, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 1101 Market Street, Suite 840, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-685-5693, nancy.deleon@phila.gov, (2) Division of Early Childhood, Youth and Women's Health, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 1101 Market Street, 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, (3) Policy & Planning, Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health, 1101 Market St., Office of the Health Commissioner, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Philadelphia has over 1.51 million residents, of whom 22% live below the poverty line. Public health problems - as measured by Healthy People 2010 indicators of health status - often are greater in incidence and severity in Philadelphia than in the rest of the U.S. This phenomenon can be attributed to Philadelphia's diverse population in combination with well-documented racial, ethnic, and income-based health disparities.

At the same time, Philadelphia has a number of critical public health resources including five major academic health systems and a variety of existing public health and social services organizations. If utilized properly, these resources can significantly improve the health of our residents.

Healthy Philadelphia 2010 is a new initiative of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) that attempts to mobilize local resources around national public health goals. For each leading health indicator of Healthy People 2010, e.g. responsible sexual behavior, a three-part initiative is being pursued. Part One involves issue research, a needs assessment, and identification of existing local public health resources. Part Two involves bringing together key stakeholders and participants in a public health forum. Part Three involves promoting community-oriented public health action and tracking progress over time.

Through these activities, PDPH is attempting to bring often-fragmented public health resources together - creating a local public health network around each leading health indicator. These networks will promote the learning and implementation of best practices, mobilize coordinated action, and measure public health results.

This paper will assess the effectiveness of the Healthy Philadelphia 2010 concept.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant will be able to

• Describe one method for achieving Healthy People 2010 goals on a local level.
• Articulate some of the challenges faced in implementing a series of public health forums.
• Develop a strategy for implementing this method within their own local jurisdiction.

Keywords: Healthy People 2000/2010, Sexual Behavior

Related Web page: www.phila.gov/health

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.