Recorded presentation

Iveris L. Martinez, PhD, Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, 2024 E. Monument Street, Suite 2-700, Baltimore, MD 21205, 410-502-0426, imartine@jhsph.edu and Carmen Nieves, MPA, Centro de la Comunidad, 3021 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224.

This research is being led by Centro de la Comunidad, Inc., a community-based organization providing comprehensive social services to Latino immigrants in Baltimore City, in conjunction with researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Centro, along with other local CBOs, recognize a need for comprehensive assessment of the population they serve. The Latino population in the City has grown 45.5% in the last decade from 7,602 in 1990 to 11, 061, though case loads suggest that these figures underestimate the real population growth (US Census 2003). Existing national data do not reflect the local Latino population in terms of their unique socio-demographic characteristics. The aims of the project are to: 1) assess the major health issues of the Latino population in Baltimore City; 2) assess the strengths in this community to address these issues (including needs, priorities, and beliefs); and 3) assess the current capacity of health and social services available. A series of 5 focus groups (N=34) were conducted among various sectors of the community with the goal of informing the development and implementation of a comprehensive survey in conjunction with a Community Advisory Board. Participants were asked to talk on health related issues relevant to them and to identify community strengths (resources, networks, and folkways related to health). Participants were also asked to guide us in the appropriate means of carrying out such an assessment in their communities. The results of these focus groups will be presented, along with plans to implement this community-wide survey.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session the participant will be able to

• Recognize the steps in developing a community-based participatory assessment
• Articulate the strengths (and needs) of the health of the Latino community in Baltimore City
• Discuss the next steps required to implement a community-wide survey in this community

Keywords: Latino Health, Community-Based Public Health

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