The Community Faces Model: Community, University and Health Department Partners Thriving Together for Effective...

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Public health
• Health promotion coalitions

Background:

• Community health initiatives require effective collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding the dynamics of multi-sectoral partnerships is crucial for successful health promotion.
• The Community Faces of Utah (CFU) coalition aimed to address community health needs through diverse representation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine collaboration, communication, and relational interactions within the CFU health promotion coalition.
• To assess the evolution, structure, successes, and challenges of a diverse community coalition.
• To identify factors contributing to the functionality of community-driven health partnerships.

Main Methods:

• Employed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach.
• Collaborated with coalition members, including five cultural communities, a state health department, and a university.
• Assessed coalition evolution, structure, successes, and challenges through participatory methods.

Main Results:

• The CFU coalition was identified as an equitable and collaborative partnership of diverse leaders.
• Shared values and trusting relationships developed over time, facilitating group interaction.
• A community liaison was an essential element for successful interaction and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The CFU coalition functions successfully, demonstrating an effective model for community-driven health promotion.
• The development of shared values and trust is fundamental to partnership functionality.
• The CFU experience offers valuable guidance for other multi-sectoral partnerships aiming for community-driven objectives.