The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58315

Elizabeth M. Whitley, PhD, Denver Health, 777 Bannock St. MC 7779, Denver, CO 80204, 303-436-4071, lwhitley@dhha.org

Denver Health is the primary healthcare safety-net for Denver, serving 78,000 unduplicated men, of which 55 percent are Hispanic, 25 percent Caucasian, 14 percent African-American, 1 percent Asian and less than 1 percent Native American. The men’s health initiative was launched in 2002 to increase access and affordability, reduce gender and racial disparities, and improve seamlessness of healthcare to poor men of color. Following a review of the literature and analysis of men’s utilization of the healthcare system, six focus groups were conducted with Hispanic and African-American men, stratified by age and ethnicity to identify barriers to care. The Comprehensive Care Model, adapted from E. Wagner’s Chronic Care Model was implemented as the framework for the initiative, emphasizing the relationship between community and health care system. Health care system enhancements include the identification of preferred providers, use of clinical guidelines and establishing the urology clinic as a center of excellence. Additionally, case management is provided to identified populations of men. Access to care is increased by male Outreach Workers deployed to provide community health promotion and to engage men in ongoing primary care. Enrollment facilitation is available for uninsured men to apply to publicly funded programs for which they might be eligible. A diverse community advisory group provides oversight and assists in establishing collaborative relationships with community-based organizations. Community partners are engaged to participate in the initiative such as barbers, churches and social groups. Community-based education and screening are available through self-administered men’s health assessments, health fairs and screening events.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Create a program aimed at reducing health disparities among poor men of color.
  6. Analyze barriers to care identified by Hispanic and African American men participating in focus groups.
  9. Discuss ways to increase access and engage underserved men in ongoing primary care.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: The Denver health Community Voices men's health initiative is sponsored by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.