| Learning Objective #1: Describe the process of developing a parish-university partnership for health | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Examine the usefulness of the Community Organizing Participative Action Research Model (COPAR) for capacity building in a parish-university partnership for health |
The purpose of this Model, a partnership for health between the University of the Incarnate Word School of Nursing and St. Philip of Jesus parish, is to improve the health and well-being of the predominately Hispanic parish through collaboration and capacity building. Health promotion activities are accomplished through combining Service-Learning, Parish Nursing and community capacity building.
This Model serves as the framework for capacity building activities. It is a four-phase progression that is used by nursing programs in the Philippines to guide community capacity building in depressed and underserved areas. COPAR was selected for its congruence with the purpose of the partnership. Through teaching each other and learning together, community members, faculty and students developed an action plan guided by phases and activities of the COPAR model.
The Pre-entry Phase was the most quickly accomplished. The Entry Phase of Social Preparation took longer than anticipated, and at times appeared confusing and unstable. Phase three, Organization Building and Capability Building was smoother and resulted in a more collaborative level of functioning. Phase four, Sustenance and Strengthening, is where the majority of effort is concentrated after three years of working together. Increased involvement of the community with the health of the community is happening slowly.
The Model is useful directing activities of the partnership and provides a means for all partners to contribute meaningfully to the health of the community. Implementation of this Model with the community is a slow process, and is more circular than the linear Phases imply. This Model directs attention to the culture and health values of the community, and increases Community and University capacity for health promotion.
This project is supported through grants from Kronkosky Charitable Foundation Pierre Fund of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word HRSA 1D11HP00436-01
Back to Community Collaboration with Diverse Populations
Back to 37th Biennial Convention - Clinical Sessions
Sigma Theta Tau International