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. 2024 Sep 3;8(4):e10451.
doi: 10.1002/lrh2.10451. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Community-led transformation principles: Transforming public health learning systems by centering authentic collaboration with community-based organizations

Reba Meigs  1 , Amina Sheik Mohamed  1 , Adriana Bearse  1 , Sarah Vicente  1 , Nghi Dang  1 , Asmaa Deiranieh  1 , Reem Zubaidi  1 , Valerie Nash  1 , Maliha Ali  2 , Trenita Childers  2 , Mohammad Wahdatyar  1 , Emily Treichler  3 , Blanca Meléndrez  1
Affiliations

Community-led transformation principles: Transforming public health learning systems by centering authentic collaboration with community-based organizations

Reba Meigs et al. Learn Health Syst. .

Abstract

Introduction: In the face of evolving public health challenges, including emerging diseases, pervasive health disparities, and escalating environmental threats, the integration of learning health system (LHS) principles emerges as a vital strategy for enhancing the adaptability and efficacy of public health initiatives. Traditional approaches within these systems often overlook the potential to deeply involve community-based organizations (CBO) that are led and staffed by the communities they serve as equal and essential partners in the public health discourse.

Methods: This commentary proposes a suite of nine community-led transformation (CLT) principles aimed at reimagining LHS frameworks to authentically incorporate CBOs at their core. Drawing on the experiences from initiatives supporting Afghan refugees, we illustrate the application of these principles through two detailed case studies.

Results: These examples demonstrate the CLT principles in action and spotlight the enhanced cultural competency, effectiveness, and equitable power distribution that arise from such partnerships. Centering small to mid-sized CBOs including ethnic-led and/or faith based within LHS structures enables the system to access invaluable cultural insights, strengthen community bonds, and empower those communities to spearhead their transformative journey toward sustainable health, equity, and well-being improvements.

Conclusion: The CLT principles herald a shift toward a more inclusive and co-led public health paradigm by offering a blueprint for stakeholders eager to forge strong, trust-based coalitions and cocreate initiatives with community leaders including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders from ethnic-led and/or faith-based CBOs. By embracing these principles, public health systems can evolve into truly inclusive, responsive, and sustainable entities poised to advance health equity for all community members.

Keywords: community‐led; health equity; learning health systems.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers' bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent‐licensing arrangements), or nonfinancial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge, or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this article.

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