Recorded presentation

Richard L. Lichtenstein, PhD¹, Ellen Lopez, PhD², Alonzo Lewis, MHSA³, Rev. Rochelle Allen, MPA⁴, Penni Johnson⁵, Scherry Riley⁵, and Cheryl Lewis⁶. (1) Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, SPH II, Room M3124, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, (2) Community Health Scholars Program, The University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 109 Observatory, SPH II, Room M3531, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-615-7764, edslopez@umich.edu, (3) Root Learning®, Inc., 1715 Indian Wood Circle, Suite 200, Maumee, OH 43537, (4) Inkster District - Wayne County FIA, 2700 Hamlin Drive, Detroit, MI 48215, (5) Eastside Access Partnership, Harper/Gratiot Multi-Service Center, 9641 Harper, Detroit, MI 48213, (6) Warren Conner Development Coalition, 11148 Harper Ave, Detroit, MI 48213

Virtually every child on Detroit’s eastside is eligible for health coverage, yet approximately 3,000 children remain uninsured. The primary aim of the Eastside Access Partnership (EAP), a community-based participatory research collaboration, is to increase enrollment of uninsured children into state insurance programs. To achieve this aim, one of the approaches EAP is using is the innovative learning map, Choosing the Healthy Path, which was developed in collaboration with Root Learning®, Inc. Although learning maps were originally developed to assist corporations in implementing strategic change, their integration of visualization and interactive dialogue complements empowerment education methods, making them a viable option for providing meaningful learning opportunities for community residents. As such, this marks the first time learning maps have been developed for a non-profit organization working with low-income communities. Specifically, our work has involved: 1) collaborating with community members to develop a visual map that uses metaphors to capture the essence of the issues faced by residents seeking insurance; and 2) holding community meetings where small groups of residents are guided through the map via directive questioning that engages them in dialogue about the importance of insurance, strategies to overcome enrollment challenges, options for covering children, and steps to take once children are enrolled. We will present the learning map, the participatory process we used to develop it, and findings from surveys completed by community meeting participants to evaluate how well the map and interactive questioning enabled them to engage in discussions about issues related to obtaining coverage for their children.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the individual and social level issues that pose challenges to residents enrolling their children into insurance programs
• Describe the innovative learning technology, The Learning Map, by Root Learning, Inc., and how it was used with community residents in Detroit, Michigan
• Articulate how community-based participatory research principles were applied during the development of the map to ensure that it was socially and culturally appropriate

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.

Recorded presentation