The First Steps to Building Research Collaborative Using Strength-Based Assessments and GIS Maps with a Sample of...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Health Equity Research

Background:

• Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a key strategy for addressing health disparities.
• The City University of New York's Institute for Health Equity (CIHE) addresses social determinants of health for underserved populations in NYC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate community-based organizations' (CBOs) strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to address health disparities in the Bronx.
• To identify CBOs' priorities and potential for collaboration in health equity initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A modified SWOT tool was used as a strength-based assessment (SBA) for CBOs.
• Descriptive data on CBOs' service areas, services, and populations were collected.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) software was used for mapping and data analysis.

Main Results:

• Hunts Point and Longwood Community Districts are the most served by CBOs.
• The SWOT-SBA indicated that CBO engagement through "appreciative inquiry" holds promise for CBPR partnerships.
• CBOs aim to lead in the Bronx and need to expand services, especially post-pandemic.

Conclusions:

• CBOs are eager to collaborate in CBPR initiatives to address health disparities.
• Findings support CBOs in centering resources and expanding services to meet community needs.