Applying community-based participatory research to local policy change: Lessons learned from a social justice, regional foundation R. David Rebanal MPH Northwest Health Foundation American Public Health Conference November 10, 2010 Denver, CO
Presenter Disclosures R. David Rebanal The following personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months: No relationships to disclose
Today we will discuss Application of CBPR to advance policy Process and Policy Outcomes using Case Studies Implications for public health practitioners & funders
To advance and promote the health of the people of Oregon and Southwest Washington Focus Areas: Healthcare reform Workforce Public Health
Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is defined as a collaborative approach to research that equitably involves all partners in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. (Israel et al, 1998) CBPR begins with a research topic of importance to the community with the aim of combining knowledge and action for social change to improve community health and eliminate health disparities.
Goals of NWHF CBPR work Capacity to develop partnerships Capacity for policy advocacy Policy interventions Data quality among populations Research results inform policy decision process
Applying for a CBPR Grant Community-based organization lead applicant Three types of awards Partnership-building Implementation Policy Dissemination
CBPR Investments $3.1M (2003, 2005-2010) 28 Projects 8 community workshops 3 Regional Conferences 1 National Conference
Case Study 1: Making People of Color Count in Policymaking Commissioned by Coalitions of Color to use CBPR in partnership with Portland State University Two-year process: 26 indicators Intention to Inform Elected Officials Recommend methods for data collection and inclusion
Case Study 1: Making People of Color Count in Policymaking
Case Study 2: Tenant’s Voice Needs Assessment “My doctor said I was getting sick all the time from mold in my apartment. I showed the note to the manager, but she didn’t care” - Tenant Participant
Case Study 2: Tenant’s Voice Needs Assessment
Case Study 3: Assessing the Health Benefits of Reducing Car and Truck Traffic
Outcomes Summary Process Outcomes (Capacity/Dissemination) Policy Outcomes Communities of Color Coalition “Intellectual capital” “Wisdom” “Voice” 20+ presentations, press (Several) E.g., Job descriptions to include equity; meetings every 3 weeks; no criminal background checks Tenant’s Voice Social Capital Research Several presentation, press Funding (Several) E.g., Housing Maintenance Codes Climate Change/ VMT Participatory HIA capacity; Cross-sector partnerships; 15 presentations Senate Bill 1059 (2009)
Lessons Learned CBPR effective tool for improving advocacy capacity, research leading to policy CBPR can improve social capital (civic participation, social cohesion) Expectation of and capacity for dissemination important Key principles of CBPR have penetrated several grant programs Minkler articles
Lessons Learned Partnership-building phase critical Assuring funding source supports participatory research CBOs as lead PI effective but not without challenges Outcomes should include process measures
Acknowledgements R. David Rebanal, MPH, CHES Elisa Aguilera, Community Alliance of Tenants Ann Curry-Stevens, PhD, Portland State University John Dougherty, PhD, Multnomah County Health Department Nancy Findholt, PhD, RN, Oregon Health & Science University Julia Meier, Coalition of Communities of Color Mel Rader, MS, Upstream Public Health R. David Rebanal, MPH, CHES Drebanal@nwhf.org Northwest Health Foundation www.nwhf.org