Evaluating mobilization strategies with neighborhood and faith organizations to reduce risk for health disparities

Abstract

Health disparities, differences in health status, and mortality among different groups have challenged the public health commitment to health for all. African Americans and Latinos have historically experienced greater prevalence and mortality from many chronic diseases than Whites. Community mobilization is a promising approach to addressing health disparities. The Kansas City-Chronic Disease Coalition (KC-CDC), a REACH 2010 initiative, aimed to engage neighborhoods and faith organization in changing conditions to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Using a time series design replicated with each of these two sectors, we examined the effects of a microgrant strategy and a resource distribution strategy on the coalition's facilitation of community change. Results indicate that both strategies increased the implementation of community change by neighborhood and faith organizations, with higher rates of change for the microgrant strategy. This study holds important implications for public health practitioners working with neighborhood and faith-based organizations to address health disparities.