The Center for Promoting Health and Health Equality’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Program

Kosoko-Lasaki O, Stone JR, Smi

Abstract

African-Americans in Douglas County, Nebraska, experience above-average incidence of death and disability from chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease. Current screening and education services are independent and poorly available to minority citizens. Despite communities’ progress in addressing health disparities, barriers prevent effective and culturally-competent care. Addressing these inequalities requires new and innovative models like Creighton University’s Center for Promoting Health and Health Equity, Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (CPHHE-REACH) program. This collaborative partnership with community stakeholders in Douglas County, Nebraska addresses chronic disease disparities in Omaha African-Americans by increasing community opportunities for access to physical activities. The REACH strategy involves promoting and supporting changes in policy, systems and environment (PSE). The Omaha African-American community for REACH comprises some 50,000 people. REACH program settings include Omaha faith-based organizations (churches of diverse denominations), public housing towers, a federally qualified health center, and public middle schools’ after-school program. The Douglas County Health Department and Creighton University School of Medicine personnel are key partners that provide technical assistance through the Physical Activity Leadership Train-the- Trainer mechanism for Community Health Ambassadors (CHAs) and direct support for (PSE) improvements. Thirtytwo (32) program-certified CHAs support enhancing access to physical activity in the affiliated public housing towers, diverse faith-based organizations, the health center, and the after-school programs.