A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach to Identifying Environmental Concerns

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Public Health Initiatives

Background:

• Environmental issues significantly impact community well-being.
• Engaging local residents is crucial for effective environmental problem-solving.
• Previous environmental initiatives may not have fully incorporated community priorities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a community-driven environmental initiative in Wichita, Kansas, named the Wichita Initiative to Renew the Environment (WIRE).
• To identify, prioritize, and address environmental concerns as defined by the Wichita community.
• To foster community engagement in environmental project design and leadership.

Main Methods:

• Employed a community-based participatory research approach.
• Collaborated with University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita faculty and a local community organization.
• Established a community environmental leadership council and facilitated community input sessions.

Main Results:

• Successfully engaged community members in identifying and prioritizing environmental concerns.
• Identified 19 key environmental issues, with top priorities including trash disposal, Arkansas River and groundwater pollution, and mobile source air pollution.
• Formed a 25-member community environmental leadership organization.

Conclusions:

• Community-based participatory research is effective for identifying local environmental priorities.
• The WIRE initiative successfully established a framework for community-led environmental action in Wichita.
• Future projects can build upon the identified priorities and established community organization to address environmental challenges.