1. 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, Denver, CO

2. 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

3. Today we will discuss Application of CBPR to advance policy
Process and Policy Outcomes using Case Studies
Implications for public health practitioners & funders

4. To advance and promote the health of the people of Oregon and Southwest Washington
Focus Areas:
Healthcare reform
Workforce
Public Health

5. 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.

6. 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

7. Applying for a CBPR Grant
Community-based organization lead applicant
Three types of awards
Partnership-building
Implementation
Policy Dissemination

8. CBPR Investments $3.1M (2003, 2005-2010) 28 Projects
8 community workshops
3 Regional Conferences
1 National Conference

9. 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

10. Case Study 1: Making People of Color Count in Policymaking

11. 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

12. Case Study 2: Tenant’s Voice Needs Assessment

13. Case Study 3: Assessing the Health Benefits of Reducing Car and Truck Traffic

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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
Northwest Health Foundation