Primary Submission Category: Health equity
Community Health Needs & Assets Assessment in Partnership with Haitian Residents Living in Harris County, Texas
Authors: Roldyne Dolce, Andrew Springer, Dorothy Dupuy, Katia Jean Baptiste, Nikkii Dolce, Thalia Micah, Voltaire Archelus,
Presenting Author: Roldyne Dolce*
Despite their growing numbers, there is little to no information collected on the health of Haitian/Haitian American residents in the U.S. This community assessment study aims to address these gaps by assessing current health needs, assets and opportunities for health improvement in partnership with Haitian/Haitian American residents of Harris County, Texas. This presentation describes our assessment and presents initial findings from two visioning sessions. Our mixed methods research approach, guided by Mobilizing for Action through Planning & Partnerships framework, includes key informant interviews, focus groups with community members, and a community health assessment survey. In Phase 1, Partnership Development, a planning group of five interprofessional Haitian community members was formed to provide expert feedback and influence community participation. In Phase 2, Visioning, community members gathered to envision and describe an aspirational future for a healthy community. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes generated via participatory inquiry activities. A total of 52 Haitian residents and allies participated in the visioning events. Participants defined the Houston Haitian community and identified outreach settings. Guiding principles included the value of holistic/herbal medicine, education, and leadership. Healthy community vision themes underscored a strong desire for chronic disease prevention, mental health improvement, and establishment of a community center that prioritizes culture preservation, integration, and resource allocation. These values and themes provide initial guidance for the assessment and development of a community vision of health. By empowering community members to voice concerns, we are setting a precedent for collaboration in the upcoming phases of this assessment. Our data will serve as a foundation for informing public health strategies to improve the health and quality of life of our Haitian neighbors.