The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45313

Melissa A. Atkinson, BA, Department of Community Health, Texas Health Resources, 611 Ryan Plaza Drive, Suite 1500, Arlington, TX 76011, 817-462-7190, melissaatkinson@texashealth.org

Community health improvement is a core function of Texas Health Resources (THR), the largest faith-based health care provider in North Texas. During research to restructure the Community Health function within THR and its twelve hospitals, results indicated widespread support for, yet confusion about, the existing employee volunteer component of community health improvement (CHI). A nationwide review of best practices, planning sessions, employee focus groups, and one-on-one interviews were conducted over a ten month period to develop a strategy that will further the achievement of healthy, sustainable communities by engaging employees in hospital and company-sponsored outreach projects. The new, cutting edge strategy focuses on hospital-based decision-making and implementation of outreach efforts. The community needs targeted through outreach are based on an assessment conducted collaboratively within each community and are aligned with Healthy People 2010. Hospitals, departments, and interdepartmental teams of employees are encouraged to adopt at least one outreach project annually. Leadership training, resources, and strategic support are provided. Outreach projects are integrated into hospital-based strategic plans as a tool for achieving CHI goals. During strategy development, lessons were learned relating to: 1) meeting the needs of the community, employees, and health system leadership such that each benefits equally; 2) creating a culture of community service; 3) strengthening the value of employee outreach by linking to CHI goal achievement and employee skill development; and 4) developing guidelines by which hospitals may balance service within their walls and service beyond their walls.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Articulate the importance of supporting hospital community health improvement plans with the empowerment of employees as community stakeholders and a motivated volunteer resource;
• List at least eight ways that a strong corporate community outreach strategy can benefit the community, the company and/or the employees;
• Develop a plan for promoting and encouraging employee team outreach to achieve community health improvement goals; and
• Recognize untapped employee populations as a powerful resource for putting the public back into public health.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Outreach Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Texas Health Resources
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment