Working on the Community Level

Marjorie Vestal, MPHRutherford Polk McDowell Health District &

Centro Unido Latino Americano

Outcomes and ObjectivesHealthy Carolinians CHASubstance Abuse

PreventionStrategic Prevention

Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG)

Reduce number of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities among young Hispanic males in McDowell County

Evidence based strategies

Cultural competencySustainability

A Public Health Approach

Community Oriented PreventionStep 1 Build Relationships

•My intended population are mostly first generation undocumented Mexican immigrants•Very little primary or secondary data available

•Rates of DWI are highest among Hispanic Males 21-26

•Listen to Community leaders’ perceptions

•Plan Community Assessment

Timeline Steps 2 &3 2. Conduct Community Assessment

3. Plan and Implement Evidence Based Strategies

Key informant interviewsFocus groupsSurveys - on line and offUse incentives if possiblePatronize local businessesData informs strategies

• Environmental change - media

• Educate about laws and Consequences

• Shift social norms & policies

• Involve the whole community

• Offer alternative activities

Step 4 - Evaluation

•Design post test before implementing intervention•Offer incentives•Use community volunteers•Show up at fun events•Low literacy/bilingual•Repeat: Assess, plan, implement, evaluate

Community Based Strategies AKA GrassrootsHire bilingual staffUnderstand Title VI and

Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Avoid the use of tokens and reps

Use community volunteers $$$Use simultaneous

interpretationEngage youth $$$Centers for Participatory

Change www.wncpc.orgCoalition of Latin Americans www.colawnc.org

Support local people Buy food locallyBuy prizes locallyUse local printersEat lunch at locally

owned restaurantsBuy promotional items

locallyBuild relationships with

local mediaWalmart is not locally

owned and operated

Environmental Change

1. New Hispanic Community Center

2. New partnerships with schools and churches

Policy ChangesInterpersonal – Friends don’t let friends drive

drunkAcceptance of female driversOrganizational – No alcohol allowed at job

site/agricultural fields after workCommunity – Community volunteers work with

law enforcement to bridge language barriersSchool system relies on Hispanic community

to promote programs for familiesHispanic Outreach Coordinator sits on

Truancy Court Board

Build Partnerships

16 New Alliances Created in one glorious day!

Partnerships & Coalitions

McDowell County Health Department

Centro Unido Latino Americano

Make it fun….out of the box, out

of the chairs……………. find

creative trainers