The community as a full partner: A new model for public health

Individual Author(s) / Organizational Author
Chen, Alice T.
Smith, Denise O.
Ojikutu, Bisola O.
Auerbach, John
Publisher
Health Affairs
Date
June 2024
Abstract / Description

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a need to strengthen the US public health system by shifting toward much greater community engagement and leadership. In November and December 2023, we conducted separate online surveys of community-based organizations and large metropolitan health departments to identify barriers and opportunities for building a public health system with strong community partnerships. Identified barriers included mistrust, siloed health departments with structural challenges in funding community-based organizations, and insufficient shared decision making. The surveys helped inform our six policy recommendations: establish state and local community councils to formalize the roles of community-based organizations in public health decision making; dedicate funding to these organizations; offer funding that is not limited to a specific disease or condition; simplify procurement and reporting processes directed to community-based organizations; create a training and technical assistance program for these organizations; and increase public health worker diversity, including sustainable funding for community health workers. (author abstract)

Artifact Type
Application
Research
Reference Type
Journal Article
P4HE Authored
No
Topic Area
Policy and Practice » Community-rooted/Participatory Research