Daniel H. Freeman, PhD, Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 700 Harborside Drive, 1.134 Ewing Hall, Galveston, TX 77555-1148, (409) 772 6355, dfreeman@UTMB.EDU

The 2000 Census estimated that 12,284 individuals, or 22.3% of the residents of the City of Galveston, lived in poverty. The collection of quantitative health indicators is a key step in the Community Health Improvement Process (CHIP). By using existing data sources, a report card on the poor and disabled of Galveston was prepared. A major criterion for the data to be included in the Report Card is that it corresponds specifically to the Healthy People 2010 (HP 2010) goals and objectives. This report card became the core of a Needs Assessment for the United Way of Galveston (UWG).

The Report Card for Galveston’s Vulnerable Population project prepared a quantitative report on the indigent and medically vulnerable populations of Galveston. This project will assemble data from existing administrative databases. The report card included qualitative assessments from social service agencies. The report met the criteria requiring that data are: local, comparable, believable, and useful. The project relied on a local committee of stakeholders to select the relevant indicators and assist with the analysis and interpretation of assembled data. The Report Card resulted in a consolidated summary of the status of the City’s poor and vulnerable.

The Report Card has prompted the Galveston Foundation Round Table to begin implement the CHIP to leverage change in the city. In addition based in part on the needs assessment, the UWG has begun to implement a community investment model to govern fund allocations.

Learning Objectives:

• Listners will learn about the report card process in the CHIP model
• Listners will know how the report card can leverage funding agencies to change allocation schemes
• Listners will learn criteria the use of available data for needs assessment surveys

Keywords: Advocacy, Foundations

Related Web page: www.co.galveston.tx.us/Community_Services/Report%20Card/

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.