A Needs Assessment to Develop Community Partnerships: Initial Steps Working with a Major Agricultural Community

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2011

Publication Title

American Journal of Health Education

DOI

10.1080/19325037.2011.10599197

Abstract

Background: Healthy People 2010 identified community partnership as one of the most effective strategies in eliminating health disparities and considered it a critical element in improving an individual's quality of life. To be effective at engaging communities in partnerships, an initial community based needs assessment is recommended.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to use a community assessment to establish if there is a need for community partnerships in a rural Northern Colorado county.

Methods: A mixed-methods design using an online survey and focus groups was used to collect data.

Results: The analysis of the online survey indicated strong support for community partnerships and analysis of focus group transcriptions found both barriers and solutions to human service delivery.

Discussion: Survey responses indicated a perception of support, involvement, and interest in community partnerships; however, focus groups revealed that although some partnerships do exist, significant improvement is needed to better serve disparate populations. Translation to Health Education.

Practice: Future health educators must be equipped with the strategies to effectively address disparate populations and incorporate community partnerships within their agencies once they graduate and enter into employment.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS