Community coalitions to control chronic disease: Allies against asthma as a model and case study

There is a rich and extensive literature regarding coalitions as vehicles for amassing resources, influence, and energy in pursuit of a health goal. Despite insufficient empirical data regarding outcome, a number of observers have posited the aspects of coalition processes thought to lead to goal attainment. The supplement, which this article is part of, is devoted to an examination of how these elements fitted together (or did not) in the seven areas across the United States where Allies coalitions devoted themselves to achieving asthma control. The aim of this article is to present the theoretical bases for the work of the coalitions. It illustrates and emphasizes how the community context influenced coalition development, how membership was involved in and assessed coalition processes and structures, and the community-wide actions that were instituted and the capacities they were trying to strengthen.