A conceptual model for establishing collaborative partnerships between universities and Native American communities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Engagement
• Health Disparities Research

Background:

• Collaborative partnerships are vital for enhancing community health outcomes.
• Initiating these partnerships requires careful planning and foundational work for long-term success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the process of establishing a university-community collaboration.
• To present a conceptual model guiding the partnership development process.

Main Methods:

• Describing the initiation and formative phases of a university-community project.
• Utilizing a conceptual model to structure the collaboration process.

Main Results:

• The study provides a framework for initiating and developing university-community partnerships.
• The described approach can guide collaborations from inception through evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Effective initiation and formative work are crucial for sustainable community health initiatives.
• This model is particularly relevant for addressing health disparities in Native American communities.