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Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
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This episode from the podcast 99 Percent Invisible reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the American public to a long-standing problem: the disjointed nature of the U.S. health system. Because state and local health departments largely operate independently and use their own data collection and analysis tools, health systems across the country lack standardized data definitions and systems. These inconsistencies made it nearly impossible to collect and analyze comprehensive, standardized data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccines administered amid the pandemic. Health experts featured on this episode believe that the pandemic made the need for an overhaul of America’s informatics system very apparent. When rebuilding this system, it’s important to focus on remedying existing inequalities in data collection and classification that in some cases render the health status of certain populations – think Native American communities and other communities of color – completely invisible in the data. By virtue of being small populations, it can be difficult for health departments to collect sufficient and/or statistically significant data on minority communities. Another issue discussed in this episode is the use of broad racial categories like “other,” “multiple races,” or even “Asian American,” which, if not disaggregated, obscures the health status of diverse populations who are grouped under the same category. Without comprehensive and inclusive health data, it’s difficult to identify disparities and implement policies and programming that promote social mobility and health equity.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
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Evaluation Report
This case study presents findings on place-based initiatives to address social determinants of health and health inequities through the Action Centers in New York City. The Action Centers, hosted by the Health Department, are a way to address community-level social determinants of health by providing low-cost office space to partner organizations and free convening space for events, meetings, and programs. This ultimately increases community members’ access to services, beyond what the Health Department or individual organizations can offer.
Best Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities.
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Evaluation Report
This study of a community-based and bilingual nutrition and health program called the Eat Healthy Program in New York City presents findings to understand potential behavior changes among participants and how the program is integrated into a larger neighborhood health strategy in Harlem. The Eat Healthy Program educated participants on healthy nutrition and living, gave out farmers’ market coupons. Focus groups showed that participants adopted new healthy behaviors as a result, although some barriers to healthy living persisted. The findings suggested that this type of health promotion program as a part of a neighborhood health strategy may be an effective model for impacting health behavior and the utilization of local farmers’ markets in low income neighborhoods of color.