The MetroHealth System - Community Health Advocacy Initiative

What is it?

The Community Health Advocacy Initiative of The MetroHealth System recognizes that our health and well-being are the result of more than just the health care we receive and the choices we make, but also the places and conditions under which we live, learn, work, and play. The Initiative was designed to address health disparities and improve the health status of the residents of Cuyahoga County by taking action on the social determinants of health, in communities, in partnership with residents and other community institutions.

One way Initiative leaders are doing this is through implementation of the Community Engagement Process (CEP), a model developed by MetroHealth’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities. CEP engages and empowers people to identify and take action on issues of health and well-being that are important to them. Key to the model is the formation of a community coalition with local residents as a driving force, joined by representatives from community organizations and institutions that have a stake in their community’s well-being.

Who is it for?

Identified populations at risk for health disparities throughout Cuyahoga County. Current projects work with youth in a distressed inner-city neighborhood, seniors, residents of public housing, and Hispanic women.

Why do they do it?

The MetroHealth System’s mission is "Leading the way to a healthier you and a healthier community through service, teaching, discovery and teamwork." Along with their efforts to provide high-quality, accessible health care to all residents of Cuyahoga County, they are committed to improving the community conditions that affect health - in direct partnership with residents.

Impact

To date, under the umbrella of the Community Health Advocacy Initiative, four individual projects have been launched in distinct areas of Cuyahoga County. While each project works on a different issue with a different population, all follow the same model and uphold the principles of authentic community engagement, partnership with multidisciplinary stakeholders, and action on social determinants of health.

Contact: Trey Basham
Manager, Market and Community Development
Telephone: 216-778-3282
Email: cbasham@metrohealth.org