 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Jayme Thomson, RN, BA and Deborah L Kelley, RN. School Health Services, Multnomah Education Service District, PO Box 97220-9017, Portland, OR 97294-9039, 503-257-1643, jayme_thomson@mesd.k12.or.us
Health Care systems are looking for variations in delivery. How can they best serve the community? As health care professionals, we are encouraged to look for new and inventive ways to help bring health care to the community. Organizing a team approach to address community health issues is one of those new and inventive ways. Part I of this session includes the initiation and organization of this team. Of vital importance is recognizing that diverse community participation is crucial to effective healthcare implementation. A broad based community-driven program provides consistent healthcare unique to the community, impacts school attendance, strengthens community bonds and reaches a diverse population (including people of poverty, people with differing health values and ethnic beliefs). After organizing a meeting of community members, which can include family members, government health agencies, health care providers, social service agencies, school programs and the general public, this meeting or "summit" coordinates directives. Examples of these directives are: · Examine the core factors behind the health care problem, · Study the successes and failures associated with current strategies and interventions · Determine new and more effective ways to cope with the growing problem. What distinguishes a collaborative team from past efforts is inclusiveness. This includes building and enhancing current efforts offered by multiple organizations and implementing new, more collaborative tactics that utilize collective resources verses independent efforts. Attendees will review strategies to establish a community advisory board that provides for quality health policy
Learning Objectives:
Related Web page: www.headliceresourceteam.org
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.