Working together makes all the difference
Strategic partnerships that involve community-based organizations, faith communities and public health professionals can make any initiative more efficient and effective. Learn how to identify community partners and establish relationships that can help you reach your mutual goals.
Promising Practices are strategies, approaches, or programs that have anecdotally shown to have a positive impact in some local settings, however, there is not yet enough research-based evidence to certify as a best practice.
Vaccine Campaign Partnerships with Faith-Based Organizations
Faith-based organizations frequently play an integral role within communities. Select this promising practice to learn more about involving faith-based organizations in vaccine campaigns.
Bringing COVID-19 Resources to Agricultural Workers
Agricultural workers face significant COVID-19 exposure risks due to the nature of their jobs and workplaces. As a result, they have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. As of August 2022, there were approximately 4 million COVID-19 cases among agricultural workers. Organizations have reported successful outcomes in reducing cases by making COVID-19 resources available to agricultural workers on site and in the workers’ languages. While this resource was originally developed for COVID-19, the methods and approach could easily be applied to other circumstances.
Collaborating with Poison Control to Increase Equitable Language Access to Over-the-Counter Medicines
For refugee, immigrant, and migrant (RIM) communities, the lack of translated resources for how to use OTC medicines, including potential drug interactions, can present a significant safety risk. To reduce these risks, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Tucson and the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center formed a collaboration to promote equitable accessibility of OTC medicine instructions for IRC’s clients.
Partnering with Social Media Influencers
Social media is a primary source of information for much of the US public, especially youth and young adults. Organizations that are unable to utilize social media to engage with the community can result in a trusted and known presence being absent from this important space, allowing myths, misinformation and disinformation to spread without competition. A solution that can help LHDs and CBOs reach RIM communities through social media, while saving time and effort, is leveraging existing social media influencers.
Role of Public Libraries in COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Public libraries serve as ideal partners for COVID-19 vaccination rollout. As a trusted source of information and a well-connected hub within their local communities, libraries across America are working with local and state governments and community leaders to support vaccination efforts. While this resource was originally developed for COVID-19, the methods and approach described could easily be applied to other circumstances.
Partnerships with Refugee Resettlement Agencies
Refugee resettlement agencies are deeply rooted in RIM communities and are uniquely positioned to partner with health departments to reach community members.
Partnerships with Consulates
Engaging with consulates is a strategy for building or enhancing relationships with refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities.
Partnerships with Youth Groups
Partnerships with existing community groups are essential for reaching underserved communities and improving the delivery of services, resources, and information. Youth groups can be especially effective outreach partners.
Partnerships with K-12 Schools Serving RIM Communities
K-12 schools serve as community resources to assist students and families from refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities and are uniquely positioned to bridge cultural and linguistic knowledge gaps for health departments.
Engaging Community Leaders with Public Health Authorities
Collaboration between community leaders and public health authorities can improve the dissemination of accurate public health messaging, strengthen relationships with RIM communities, and ensure that public health interventions reflect the perspective of RIM communities.
Community Health Workers
Community health workers are deeply rooted in their communities, often members of the community themselves, and are uniquely positioned to partner with health departments and other organizations.
Partnerships with Employers
Local businesses can be great partners in distributing health education materials, creating a safe work environment, and supporting public health interventions such as vaccination and contact tracing.
Partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
FQHCs and local health departments share goals to improve community health, particularly among disproportionately impacted populations. Collaboration allows limited federal, state, and local resources to be targeted and allocated to areas that need the resources most.
Partnerships with State Refugee Health Coordinators
State Refugee Health Coordinators can help state and local public health departments better address refugee health needs as part of a comprehensive and effective public health response.