The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47231

Tricia Tillman, MPH, Lillian Shirley, RN, MPH, MPA, and Mardica Hicks. Multnomah County Health Department, 1120 SW Fifth Avenue; 14th Floor, Portland, OR 97211, 503.988.3674, tricia.e.tillman@co.multnomah.or.us

African American communities in Oregon are disproportionately impacted by multiple health issues, not the least of which is HIV/AIDS. As a part of our commitment in eliminating disparities, the Multnomah County Health Department, in Portland, Oregon, in partnership with the Urban League of Portland, the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy in the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Portland Area HIV Services Planning Council is initiating a project called Rapid Assessment, Response, and Evaluation, or RARE between February and May, 2002. The Portland RARE project will focus on African Americans with significant HIV/AIDS risks living in a small geographic area within an area known as "The Soul of Portland." As part of the rare process, the Health Department and the Urban League will convene a Portland RARE Advisory Board which is made up of HIV/AIDS service providers as well as leaders in and advocates for the African American community, including representatives of law enforcement, policy makers, faith community, small business, and youth services. This advisory committee will bring their voice and perspective to bear on the implementation of this qualitative methodology, the interpretation of the findings, and the development and implementation of the recommendations. The presentation will explore the results of the RARE process, the impact of the community advisory board, as well as the Health Department's ability to continue to engage a broad array of community leaders in shaping a broader agenda for eliminating health disparities using community health promotion strategies.

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

• describe the RARE Methodology of qualitative research and community engagement
• discuss the implications and limitations of the community advisory group
• identify applications for the RARE methodology beyond its use with HIV/AIDS assessment in Portland, OR

Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Community Health Planning

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.