Nearly one year ago, BHF and the Community Justice and Mediation Center (CJAM) announced a new initiative called Community Voices for Health in Monroe County (CVHMC), in partnership with Public Agenda and Altarum and funded by a $600,000+ grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The project works to build a stronger engagement infrastructure to involve a broader range of people, specifically marginalized and underserved communities, so their voices are heard as new healthcare policies are developed locally and statewide.
CVHMC recently submitted a report which provided an update of the project’s work from August 2020 through January of this year. During that time, the group collaborated with numerous community members to:
- Assess current public engagement processes, and issues relating to health by conducting interviews and small group discussions with underrepresented individuals, local citizens, and policy and decision-makers.
- Establish an Advisory Council comprised of underrepresented people, community residents, advocacy organizations, government officials, nonprofit leaders, healthcare workers, and other community members who will guide and ensure the success of the project.
- Compiled existing health-related data, crafted analysis on the current engagement infrastructure, developed case studies, and conducted research on how existing state and local laws impacts local decision-making regarding public, health, social determinants of health, and environmental resilience.
CVHMC conducted interviews with over 70 individuals to learn more about community perceptions of health and public engagement efforts in the county, collect feedback, identify upcoming community decisions that could benefit from this project, and establish those who would participate on the Advisory Council. They trained community members to serve as small group facilitators and note-takers, and the newly-formed council then pilot tested the small group discussion format that would be used to speak to the greater community to collect more feedback. They also disseminated surveys to interviewees to ensure constant improvement and increased efficiency of discussions.
The report stated, “The experience of being heard in a small group discussion is making an impact on how public engagement can be conducted, experienced, and valued by community members, including public officials. Those who participate express that they feel heard and comfortable and wish to participate further.” An uninsured participant commented that she got involved to let decision-makers know that the uninsured just want “the same opportunities that people with insurance have.”
CVHMC continues to organize more small group discussions and individual interviews. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact Jill Jolliff at jmjolliff.cvh@cjamcenter.org or fill out this Share Your Story form.
Read more about the project by visiting communityvoicesforhealth.org/Indiana.
Like what you’re reading?
Recent Comments