In addition to grantmaking, SLEHC conducts ongoing community-level health assessments using a population health theory approach. In its assessment efforts, SLEHC routinely partners with community-based organizations, community residents, and academic institutions, such as The University of Texas School of Public Health (UTSPH). These partnerships work together to identify ongoing high priority community health needs, especially in medically underserved neighborhoods. Fruits of these collaborations include a web-based, interactive community health information system offering census data, vital statistics, and asset mapping at the sub county level.
Our assessment methodology is based on a three-point community health assessment model, adapted from a similar methodology used by the Ministry of Health in Alberta, Canada. These three points include 1) quantitative data profiling (developing a picture of the community through reviewing sub county data including vital statistics, census data, and information on crime, schools, and environmental hazards); 2) qualitative assessment (analyzing data from key informant interviewing and focus groups); and 3) community asset mapping (developing a list of social service organizations in the community as well as community strengths such as resident activism, community cohesion, and strong faith-based organizations within the community) (Kretzman and McKnight 1993). Our assessment was designed to minimize resources while obtaining that information critical to improving community health as we are sensitive to the fact that funds spent on assessment cannot be used to support direct services such as child care and primary care.
SLEHC and Community-based Participatory Research
From 1997-1999, we completed several community health assessments using the three-point assessment methodology. In 1999, multiple community partners voiced a need for “deeper” assessments in order to focus grant making, glean health information about non-English speaking populations, and better understand community residents' perceptions of health. In order to meet these needs, SLEHC partnered with researchers from UTSPH, participatory research methodologists, community-based organizations, and community residents from a medically underserved, inner-city, Hispanic community. The partnership, Project REACH (Rapid Examination and Assessment of Child Health), was designed specifically to enhance understanding of child health in the area. A two-phased approach was implemented: Phase One used a participatory action research design to fully involve community residents in discussion, analysis and documentation to assess child health and well being. Phase Two followed with a household survey using a rapid epidemiological design.
St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities Healthy Neighborhood Initiatives
The City of Houston and Harris County
Some CBPR projects include:
More Information:
To learn more about the Healthy Neighborhood Initiatives - Community-based Participatory Research Program, please contact us.
