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

Abstract #59328

Jessica Perlmutter, MArch and N. Grisel Negron, MPH. Resource Management Division, United Way of Miami-Dade, 3250 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129, 305-646-7093, perlmutj@unitedwaymiami.org

In 2002 Community Voices Miami, through United Way of Miami-Dade, undertook a community capacity building project to increase access to health care for uninsured and underserved populations in Miami-Dade County. Six neighborhood coalitions received grants and technical assistance to strengthen their infrastructure and build effective partnerships with safety net health care providers. Community Health Worker (CHW) models and other neighborhood-driven strategies are building leadership capacity within these coalitions to advocate for systems changes, including improved access to health care, both locally and county wide. The participation of community health workers in the development of community coalitions is a key to their effectiveness. Bajo del Arbol (Under the Tree) is one example. Adapted from UNI Trujillo, a Peruvian CHW model, it relies on community residents to provide health information, navigation and advocacy skills for their neighbors on issues of health care access and policy. Bajo del Arbol ensures that the neighborhood has a voice in shaping service delivery and access to services at the local community health center. The Community Voices capacity building initiative could have far-reaching implications for health policy changes countywide. It is anticipated that as these emerging neighborhood coalitions become stronger, better informed and more organized, they will play an increasingly important role in the health care system reforms now underway in Miami-Dade County. Neighborhood coalitions comprised of residents and other local stakeholders and representing the demographic diversity of Miami-Dade County will have a place at the governance table.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:
• list factors that contribute to or hinder development of neighborhood-driven strategies to improve healthcare access
• identify 6 neighborhood-driven strategies and the roles of community health workers in each
• understand how neighborhood-driven strategies can inform health policy planning

Keywords: Access to Care, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: United Way of Miami-Dade W.K.Kellogg Foundation
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by United Way of Miami-Dade