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

Abstract #62826

Nancy Tartt, MS, Neighborhood Initiative-Divison Of Community Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 South Damen m/c 802, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-996-4880, ntartt@uic.edu

Many foundations and other funding institutions are requiring collaboration between community based organizations when providing health services to communities. While this method can be cost effective and allow for a broader array of services to be provided, without proper implementation strategies the collaboration can be a failure. The likelihood of the intended recipients receiving sub-standard services and ill-prepared staff increases greatly. A structural framework can be utilized where organizations can reach a financial as well as an implementation agreement. Ascertaining the mission of a collaborating organization is usually first and dictates the partnership. Yet, many times beyond that, less and less is known of ones collaborating partner. The organizational staffing structure is usually not flushed out to enable an effective environment to deliver services. Executive Directors who usually form the collaboration, will appoint the “appropriate staff “ to direct the program. Yet, are front-line staff at each organization prepared to carry though duties and responsibilities? Are implementing systems constructed and detailed so that proper communication can be maintained between the organizations when the Executive Directors step back from the table. Many times not. Collaborating organizations need to acknowledge that labeling collaboration is the first step with many detailed steps thereafter that ensure effective delivery of services and increases long-term sustainability.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify critical steps to implement when building a partnership with another community based organization 2.Construct a contractual agreeement to utilized between organizations 3.Guidelines for applying methods to ensure staff cooperation and understanding of specified roles 4.Articulate and priortize the roles and responsibilties of key staff at partnering organizations.

Keywords: Collaboration, Partnerships

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.