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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Michele L. Tucker, MS, RN, Dept. of Nursing, West Chester University, S. Church Street, West Chester, PA 19383, 610-436-2693, mtucker@wcupa.edu and Joan M. Holliday, BS, RN, Personal Health Services, Chester County Health Dept, Government Services Center, Suite 180, 601 Westtown Rd, West Chester, PA 19380.
Opportunities to create potential exist in many areas of a community. The development of a positive perspective was key whether working with individuals, families, groups, or the community in Kennett Square, PA. Public health nurses were involved in creating an atmosphere where a void was viewed as a chance to enhance existing strengths and build new ones. At the individual and family level, a public health nurse has been developer and leader of a community group that meets monthly. Those who attend represent a cross section of the whole community. They are diverse in age, income, education, and ethnicity. All share the goal of developing their individual potential and of giving to the community. The group has shown consistent growth in size, individual goal recognition and achievement and in the sense of community in its members. At the same time, public health nurses were involved in intensive team efforts to build and strengthen a community agency, La Comunidad Hispana. Its community nursing center, Project Salud, serves Mexican migrant and settled out farmworkers and other vulnerable, under-served people. The goals of these efforts have been on building stability, capacity, and broader community connections. Public health nurses have also been involved in developing and nurturing partnerships with community leaders locally and in Mexico in areas such as business, health, and education. This case study will provide examples and analysis of the strengths and continuing opportunities in these coordinated, ongoing efforts to promote growth.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the program participant will be able to
Keywords: Community Building, Public Health Nursing
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: La Comunidad Hispana/Project Salud
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.