Building Community Relationships
The Office of Community Programs develops programs that have a direct, positive influence on the health of local communities. We create and then strengthen ties among diverse groups that all have a common interest in improving public health and expanding health care access:
- Academic institutions
- Public sector agencies
- Private foundations
- Health care providers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community members
Our team's leadership and insight enable us to inform, shape, and design public health programs, in close collaboration with members of local communities. We have developed strong connections and relationships with a variety of community-based agencies and staff:
- Community health workers
- Outreach and enrollment workers
- Medicaid members
- Community health centers
- Surveying the community
At the Office of Community Programs, we believe that having accurate data about the specific, existing needs of a community — rather than relying on perceptions — facilitates the creation of effective health programs.
To ensure that our programs, and those of our clients, are on-target, we engage communities and solicit input through the following methods:
- Focus groups
- Interviews
- Meetings
- Surveys
By approaching community members through multiple methods, we are able to collect and assemble a wide variety of data. With the knowledge gained, state agencies, foundations, and researchers are, in turn, better able to tailor health care programs to fit the needs and expectations of the target communities.
For more information about how the Office of Community Programs can support your needs, please contact us at (508) 856-3255.