Objectives:

• Introduce the purpose and project activities
• Help the community understand CBPR methodologies
• Build a foundation of trust and participation
• Document partnerships

Status:

Working with St. Vincent Charity Hospital’s Outreach Department and Building Healthy Communities Initiative, community residents have participated in several community meetings to understand and discuss ACT’s progress. A core community advisory council, later self-identified as the Central Community Healthy Group (CCHG), was formed and represents one of the Building Healthy Communities action teams. The CCHG group meets monthly at various locations throughout the Central neighborhood.

The CCHG members requested trainings on leadership and advocacy skills. In 2007, the residents received a 6-week Leadership Series encompassing the following topics:

Weeks 1 – 2: Leadership & Advocacy: Characteristics of a good community leader and healthy boundaries
Weeks 3 – 4: Communication – Active Listening: Public speaking, meeting facilitation, conflict management
Weeks 5 – 6: Culminating Event - Graduation

During the summer 2008, CCHG began a summer health promotion campaign highlighting why it is important to live a healthy life and reinforcing the slogan: Eat Healthy, Feel Good, Live Longer.