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The coalition technical assistance and training framework: helping community coalitions help themselves
1Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Section, Center for Pediatric Research, a Joint Program of Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters and Eastern Virginia Medical School, in Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
Health Promotion Practice
|April 20, 2004
Summary
This study introduces a 6-step framework for coalition technical assistance and training, empowering groups to improve their effectiveness. Pilot results show significant progress in coalition development and adoption of recommended changes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Coalition building and maintenance require ongoing training and technical assistance for staff, leaders, and members.
- Effective coalitions are crucial for addressing complex public health issues like low-birth weight and infant mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the Coalition Technical Assistance and Training Framework.
- To assess the framework's impact on coalition development, structure, and processes.
Main Methods:
- A 6-step diagnostic and action-planning process was developed.
- The framework was piloted with seven perinatal councils in the Virginia Healthy Start Initiative (1997-2001).
- Pre- and post-assessment tools were used over three years to measure progress.
Main Results:
- Seven perinatal councils adopted 75% of recommended actions within one year.
- Significant progress was observed in developing effective coalition participants, processes, and structures after three years.
- The empowerment approach facilitated self-improvement in coalition functioning.
Conclusions:
- The Coalition Technical Assistance and Training Framework is an effective model for enhancing coalition capacity.
- The framework supports sustainable coalition development and improved public health outcomes.
- Empowerment through training and technical assistance leads to greater coalition effectiveness and efficiency.