KEYWORDS:
Community Building, Cultural Diversity, Vaccine Preventable Disease, Collaboration, Partnership, Ownership, Evaluation-Process & Outcomes

BACKGROUND:
Orange County experienced a 150% increase (13.5/100,000) in Hepatitis A rates from 1997 to 1999. 60% of the cases among gay men, 50% of the cases among food service workers. An outbreak traced to a gay food service worker prompted action. Joy Metropolitan Community Church (JMCC) accepted the challenge of providing Hepatitis A education and immunizations for their congregation and the gay community. Further, immunization lead to the creation of a semi-annual health fair at the Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Community Center (GLBCC).

OBJECTIVE(S):
Describe successful strategies to reduce Hepatitis A rates through community-based collaborations.

METHOD(S):
Health department staff met with gay community leadership to explore successful strategies to educate and immunize this at-risk population. The first of two immunization events was held at JMCC utilizing congregation medical staff and an initial supply of donated vaccine. Interest expanded to GLBCC leadership, initiating the first of 3 semi-annual gay health fairs. Hepatitis A was also offered to participants at Strictly Positive Wellness Conference in Orlando. Free vaccine continues to be available utilizing special grant funds. Due to client demand Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis C screening have been added. Future events will focus on outreach to other segments of the gay population.

RESULT(S):
42% of 563 participants completed Hepatitis A series. 54% of 297 participants received 2 Hepatitis B, to date 28% have completed the 3 shot series. Orange County Hepatitis A rates have fallen by 77% to 3.1/100,000 YTD 2001.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Sustained success of this project is attributed to gay community ownership and involvement, with behind-the-scene expertise and support from public health professionals in epidemiology, immunizations, health education and free vaccine supply.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Develop successful community based strategies to reduce Hepatitis A rates through effective outreach to high-risk population.