Rachel Davis, MSW, Larry Cohen, MSW, and Danice Cook, BA. Prevention Institute, 265 29th Street, Oakland, CA 94611, 510-444-7738, rachel@preventioninstitute.org

Health disparities are not the result of specific populations experiencing a different set of illnesses than the general population. Generally the diseases and injuries that affect the whole population, affect minority populations more. T.H.R.I.V.E. (Tool for Health and Resilience In Vulnerable Environments) highlights the environmental conditions that hold the most promise for reducing health disparities in communities of color. In particular, it delineates four clusters comprising twenty community factors that can contribute to, or prevent, health disparities. Grounded in research, the tool can inform local decision-making to close the health gap. T.H.R.I.V.E. was developed under contract with the U.S. Office of Minority Health.

The research process for T.H.R.I.V.E. included an environmental scan and piloting in Del Paso Heights, California; Hidalgo County, New Mexico; and East Harlem, Central Brooklyn, and the South Bronx in New York City. A diverse, national expert panel provided guidance throughout the process. A range of people participated in the pilot process including adult and youth community members, public health practitioners, law enforcement, and transportation providers. The pilot process confirmed the tool’s utility in rural and urban settings and for community members as well as practitioners and local policy makers. This tool can help local decision-makers close the health gap. It includes collateral materials such as training materials and preliminary guidelines to translate the T.H.R.I.V.E results into concrete changes in local policies, programs and priorities.

This presentation will provide a general overview of the T.H.R.I.V.E. tool and implications for local decision-making.

Learning Objectives:

• To impart an understanding of the specific environmental factors that promote improved health outcomes and are measured by the T.H.R.I.V.E. tool.
• To impart an understanding of how local data on environmental factors can inform local decision-making.

Keywords: Community Participation, Health Disparities

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.