Step 1: Community Involvement
The “community” being served is the heart of the community health center (CHC) program. A CHC begins with a group of committed people who recognize the barriers which limit others from accessing primary health services.
Conducting community meetings is essential for bringing stakeholders together to identify and better understand the needs, issues, and resources in the community. Out of community meetings spring planning groups which are essential in the health center development process. Community meetings also help to identify potential board members with the interest and wilingness to make a long-term commitment to the health center.
Community members from a variety of interests, backgrounds, and expertise should be invited to initial meetings to discuss the potential development of a CHC in the area.
While participation will vary, people invited to the meetings should include representatives of the following:
|
|
Consideration should be given to hosting the following types of community meetings:
Community Forums
Community forums focus on using large public meetings instead of small-group settings to gather information from community members. Although community forums are more difficult to moderate than focus groups, they offer an excellent opportunity for families and other community members to raise concerns and become involved in developing strategies.
Focus Groups
Focus groups are structured, moderated discussions which bring together small groups of people to talk about specific issues, perceptions, experiences, values and beliefs.
Interviews/Surveys
Interviews provide an opportunity for community members to provide input without having to speak up in a formal group setting. They can be held privately in person or by simply having participants complete a survey form.
