Community Based Public Health

Phyllis D. MeadowsUniversity of Michigan School of Public Health

Office of Public Health Practice

Community Based Public Health

Roots…• Decades of Work• Community Own Issues and Solutions• “Top Down” strategies• Bridging Research and Practice• Social Exchange Models

Community Based Public Health

Target Populations

Defined Communities

Contextual Influences

Community Based Public Health

Underlying Assumptions:

• Solutions rest within communities• Power Distribution• Capacity to listen – objectively• Long-term implications• Communities Adapt Quickly, Change Slowly

Community Based Public Health

• How does the work get done?....

– Engagement– Data and Dialogue– Community Driven Interpretation/Priorities– Draws on assets within communities

Community Based Public Health

What are the aims? CBPH seeks to:

• Improve Health Outcomes• Foster productive relationships• Sustainable Programming• Shared Accountability

Community Based Public Health

Measures of success:

• Defined and determined by communities• No “cookie cutter” measures• Short term (tangible), Long term (Sustainable)

Community Based Public Health

Successful Models/Examples:

• Infant Mortality Coalitions• Strategic Partnerships/Initiatives• Community Participatory Research• Community-Based Programs