Evaluation Findings: Minority Health Initiative

Minority Health EvaluationIDENTIFYING NEEDS
In 1996, The Colorado Trust convened and funded a group of leaders from across the state to identify ways in which children’s immunization rates might be improved. This led to the formation of the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition. At the same time, the Visiting Nurse Corporation of Colorado, commonly known as the VNA, was raising concerns about another under-immunized group – ethnic minority adults. A study found that fewer minorities get annual immunizations to protect against influenza and pneumonia. Ethnic minority groups also have limited access to health screenings and education programs to improve their health status.

CRAFTING SOLUTIONS
In 2001, The Colorado Trust began funding the Adult Immunization & Health Screening and Education Project: A Model for Improving Minority Health (referred to as the Minority Health Initiative), implemented by the VNA. While the VNA had traditionally provided immunization services to the populations served under this initiative, the need to add health screenings and education was apparent. This initiative was designed to meet two goals: to improve immunization rates for minority adults in Denver, Adams, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties, and to improve access to health prevention and education services for minority clients residing in those counties.
    EVALUATING EFFECTIVENESS
    The evaluation of the Minority Health Initiative, which was conducted by Carla King & Associates, Inc., sought to determine:
  • The most effective strategies for improving healthy behaviors among African-American, Hispanic and Korean communities
  • The importance of the setting (e.g., church, community center, etc.) where screenings and education classes were provided
  • Whether health outcomes were improved by using culturally-relevant interventions including language, materials and providers
  • The kinds of reinforcements necessary to sustain changes in health behaviors.

The combination of all the components – having classes in a familiar, easily accessible location; the use of culturally appropriate materials, content and staff; as well as the support provided by the program staff – made this project successful.

Evaluation findings noted that the significance of the VNA’s commitment and flexibility in working around issues and concerns cannot be overstated. While the VNA is a well-established organization, time was needed to establish rapport and assist communities in accepting the program. One reason given for existing feelings of distrust was lack of cultural competence on the part of health providers. Many community members had previous bad experiences that left them wary of programs with stated good intentions. Only the program coordinator’s openness to learning more about cultural sensitivity and differences eventually allowed the necessary trust to be secured.

The extensive relationship-building the VNA undertook to lay the groundwork for these tailored health education classes paid off handsomely. All class participants made dietary and lifestyle changes that will enable them to take better control of their health.

Although this evaluation involved only a small number of participants, the information gained and lessons learned have proven invaluable in learning new ways to provide health care services in Colorado’s minority communities.