A Grassroots Community Collaboration
 The Center for Health Equality/Project EXPORT has completed a very busy year. In Hardrock we have seen increased collaboration between the outreach core and the community organizations to collaborate on resource development, program development and policy development. The fruits of our collective labor can be seen in the presence of substance abuse counseling at the local level, increases in capacity building opportunities for community residents, the development and implementation of crisis intervention teams, new collaborations focusing on traditional gardening and harvests, the approval of funds for a wellness center, and a summer youth program that has incorporated additional traditional activities and supports the Dine philosophy of wellness. There is also a stronger connection with fellowship and research activities that directly support the agenda of the Hardrock community.
On the Southside of Tucson, we have seen a stronger local coalition that includes the presence of health and human services organizations, local businesses,  educational institutions, government officials, neighborhood organizations and community residents. Important results have included the development of partnerships to implement the school health index, changes in the availability of junk foods in the schools, policy victories around liquor license applications, assessments of the built environment, increased visibility of a peace garden, educational outreach for people with diabetes and their families, a stronger collaboration of providers in both the areas of substance abuse and diabetes services, and many proactive events to increase opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity at the local level.
Here too we have seen a stronger connection with fellowship and research activities that directly support the agenda of the Southside community. As we continue on our journey together we are confident that in Year 04, we will strengthen even further our outreach component and continue to support the specific aims of the COID core in both Hardrock and the Southside of Tucson and, as we stated in our original proposal, disseminate the "lessons learned" to other communities throughout the state.
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"With SEA everything starts at the grass roots level with a single voice and idea that everyone else will buy into. SEA is about community partners, it is not just Sunnyside or Elvira or even the College of Public Health it is everyone together."
Yolanda Herrera
President, Sunnyside Neighborhood Association |
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 "Project EXPORT has been phenomenal in rallying the entire community and getting them to work together towards a healthier life style. I have been amazed that in such a short amount of time they have been able to bring together businesses, the school district and residents to implement programs that have already made a dramatic impact on the community.
I am confident that with Project EXPORT’s continued involvement, the Sunnyside Community will be able to accomplish even more, and above all, they will be able to maintain this movement towards a healthier culture."
Eva Dong
President, Sunnyside School District |
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