Organizational capacity building for healthy sexuality

We will present an innovative educational model of organizational capacity building for healthy sexuality designed to systemically increase the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and resources to clients at organizations not traditionally dedicated to SRH education. The model includes three critical components: 1) policies to support and encourage staff to share healthy messages and make referrals related to SRH, 2) professional development trainings on communication strategies and medically accurate SRH information, and 3) SRH teaching tools and educational materials that provide accurate information and send cues to clients that the organization is a safe space for SRH conversations. The model was evaluated over nine months using a pre-post-follow-up design with three organizations in Queens, NY using multi-level measures that included environmental observations of policies, practices, and materials; and surveys of staff and administrators. Results show significant increases in the number and types of SRH materials in the physical environment of the organization such as posters, educational brochures, videos, books, referral lists, and condoms. Policies and practices were also enhanced with the adoption of organizational “sexuality guiding principles.” Results indicate significant increases from baseline to post survey at three months in reports of support from administrators to staff for talking to (p<.00) and providing materials and referrals to clients (p<.00); positive staff attitudes about providing SRH information to clients (p<.00); staff knowledge of SRH facts (p<.00); and staff feelings of preparedness to discuss SRH (p<.00). All changes were maintained or increased further at a nine month follow-up.