Partnerships Among Nonprofit Organizations: Assessing the Impact on Global Health

Partnership among nonprofit organizations are intended to achieve greater impact than any organization could generate on its own. The purpose of this project is to assess the impact of partnership among an international organization and nonprofit organizations on global health. The partnership is between Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc. (WCFR) and nonprofit organizations in the USA and Haiti. The nonprofit organizations include: Haitian American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, and Volunteer New York. In order to facilitate an in-depth examination of the project impact, a case study methodology was employed. Communities worldwide have benefited from the services that WCFR has provided through partnership. A reflection of WCFR partnership shows that the partnership impacts education by providing education to community members worldwide about fatal health conditions and preventative measures. The partnership also impacts training by providing worldwide community-based first response and first aid training. The services that WCFR provides can serve as a source of research for faculty and students. The projects engage faculty and students at Faculte des Sciences Infirmieres de Leogane (FSIL), a nursing school in Haiti. Faculty and students respond directly to community needs by conducting community health assessments through surveys; analyzing data collected and recommending interventions to improve community health. Additionally, faculty guide students in assessing communities risk and vulnerability for disasters; and developing disaster preparedness plans including first response and first aid training. These opportunities help students practice critical thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary for professional life. Moreover, the projects engage participants in promoting healthy lifestyles in their community, and making their community safer, better prepared, and more resilient to disasters. Through the projects, WCFR seeks to empower individuals in their communities and save lives. The partnership between WCFR and nonprofit organizations has proven to be beneficial for all stakeholders. WCFR research findings and initiatives are impacting nursing practice, education, training, research and health globally. Although these projects were initiated in the United States and Haiti, they can be utilized for successful partnerships on projects that save lives in other parts of the world.