Using a Gender‐Responsive Approach to Generate Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes to Improve Women's Health. Issue 3 (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burke, Jodi; Lombard, Wendy; Lachance, Laurie; Kelly, Patrick; Wilken, Margaret; Waddell, Sandra
• Is Part Of: World medical & health policy. Volume 9:Issue 3(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 358
• Page End: 376
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: gender‐responsive approach -- social determinants of health -- policies; Medical policy -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2153-2028

Abstract

Abstract : Community coalitions have proven to be an effective mechanism for identifying and addressing social determinants of health. This project mobilized the Inkster Partnership for a Healthier Community (IPHC) coalition, bringing together diverse organizations, and community residents in Inkster, MI to collaboratively develop a strategic plan to address health inequities revealed in a community health needs assessment (CHNA). The coalition designed a multi‐faceted, gender‐responsive approach designed to increase social connectedness as a means to improve health and foster well‐being among women in the community. The approach included three core strategies: (i) providing health literacy mentoring, (ii) using community health workers (CHWs) and lay health educators to increase opportunities for access to and use of community health resources and self‐management programs, and (iii) publicizing targeted health messages intended to positively influence gender norms related to women's health. Emphasis was also placed on instituting policy systems and environmental (PSE) changes to promote sustainable community health improvements. Initial implementation outcomes indicate that a gender‐responsive approach to community health improvement initiatives is a promising model for how coalitions can purposefully adapt and evolve to incorporate gender‐based considerations into programmatic and PSE change efforts that equitably benefit all residents.