 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Anne S. Belcher, DNS and Cynthia L. Stone, DrPH, RNC. Environments for Health, Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Dr, Room NU 465, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317-274-4750, abelche@iupui.edu
University nursing faculty, the state department of education and seven metropolitan school districts has formed a partnership to improve health outcomes for school communities. Participatory action research was used to initiate, implement and evaluate community dialogue sessions. The Comprehensive CDC School Health Model was used in the community dialogue sessions as a way to foster capacity building in school districts. Reflection and feedback using recurrent themes from the dialogue sessions resulted in system and school specific changes. Through the process, schools identified internal system adjustments for improved communication by expanding the use of technology and modifying scheduled meetings. University faculty facilitated access to state and local health department resources for managing communicable diseases. Schools used data from the dialogue sessions to examine staffing patterns, services provided and explore partnerships given recent school budget cuts. School districts were encouraged to think about schools contribution to the overall health of the community, as evidenced by community access to the physical education facilities supported by tax dollars. Participants were comfortable in the participatory action research process and willing to engage in school health capacity building.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community Collaboration, School 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.