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Virginia Diane Woods, DrPH Candidate, Inland Wellness Information Network (IWIN), African American Health Initiative (AAHI), San Bernardino County Medical Society, 952 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., Ste. C, Colton, CA 92324-4222, (909) 825-6526, vwoods@sbcms.org, Nabil Razzouk, PhD, California State University, San Bernardino, University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407, Sam Wilson, MD, MBA, President, San Bernardino County Medical Society, 952 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., Ste. C, Colton, CA 92324-4222, Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH, Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, and Patti Herring, PhD, RN, School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Room 1501, Loma Linda, CA 92350.
Background: Non-Hispanic Black Americans make up 8.8 percent of the population in San Bernardino County California. Their overall death rate is 1,315.9/100,000, 13 years sooner than Whites. A countywide (bottom-up), community participatory health planning project was conducted to investigate healthcare delivery to the Black population regarding prevention programs and treatment services for heart disease, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, breast and prostate cancers. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was utilized to investigate social ecological patterns, modes, and structures of the healthcare delivery system, in addition to the perceptions, beliefs, practices, and attitudes of the Black population. We collected data from key informants (N=50), 12 focus groups (N=150), 500 resident interviews, public forums, and surveyed over 2,000 healthcare providers. A GIS sampling distribution provided a representative convenience sample of the general Black population, and we conducted random sampling of poor Blacks. Standard qualitative methods were employed to analyze qualitative data, and quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Blacks expressed a need to be active participants’ in their healthcare decision-making, to have prevention programs available that were respectful of personal choice, and quality medical treatment that was appropriate for Blacks. An Afrocentric countywide strategic plan was developed that included “real world” solutions to healthcare access issues. Recommendations were made for countywide health systems policy changes. Conclusions: Community participatory health planning is successful in reducing healthcare disparities by engaging individuals in personal behavior change, by creating effective organizational policies, and by determining more efficient appropriation of healthcare fiscal and human resources.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation participants will be able to
Keywords: Chronic Diseases, Public Health Infrastructure
Related Web page: www.sbcms.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment. I am the full-time coordinator of a county-wide health planning project.