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

Abstract #69827

Mildred Thompson, MSW, Rebecca Flournoy, MPH, and Victor Rubin, PhD. PolicyLink, 101 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607, 510 663-2336, mildred@policylink.org

This presentation will explore the connection between race, place, and health – focusing on how efforts in neighborhoods, regions, and states can make a difference in overcoming health disparities. PolicyLink, a national nonprofit research, communications, capacity-building, and advocacy organization, will share information gathered on this issue through more than 40 interviews with health and community-building practitioners and researchers, and a literature review of over 150 studies and research papers. There is broad consensus that people who live in more economically deprived communities are in worse health, on average, than those living in more prosperous areas. Our research explores some of the reasons for this disparity. We will discuss the importance of community factors such as access to healthy and affordable food, economic capital, safe and enjoyable places for exercise and recreation, and transportation resources that facilitate access to employment, education, and other opportunities. We will highlight successful community mobilization efforts to improve neighborhood environments, and strategies for policy development and action. These strategies focus not only on individuals, but also on improving the neighborhoods and communities in which people live, based on the wisdom, voice, and experience of local constituencies.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: (
• Describe how each of the following community factors influence health: (a) social and economic environments; (b) physical environments; (c) local availability of services, such as health care and public transit. (2) List five strategies for policy development and action that could help reduce health disparities. (3) Highlight three examples in which community mobilization efforts positively impacted neighborhood conditions.

Keywords: Community Building, Policy/Policy Development

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.