BACKGROUND:
CDC and local and state health departments have encouraged the development of immunization coalitions as one way to address under immunization. Since 1991, over 100 state and local coalitions have been crated. In January 2003, Aventis Pasteur, Inc. contracted with Bakalian Consulting Group (BCG) to conduct a national research study of immunization coalitions.

OBJECTIVE:
The objectives of the Immunization Coalition Sustainability Project (ICSP) was to: 1) create a comprehensive national database of state, regional and local immunization coalitions 2) identify organizational and programmatic Best Practices instituted by coalitions and 3) disseminate the information to coalitions in order to build a network of support and information.

METHOD:
Two primary methodologies were used in the study. The first was an on-line survey sent to 152 immunization coalitions across the United States. A total of 114 coalitions responded for a response rate of 75%. The second methodology was in-depth site visits using observations and interviews with key informants. The sample set of eight coalitions was derived from the original set of respondents and included a cross-representation of all coalitions (by focus area, coalition age, geography, and type of coalition).


RESULT:
Information from the survey was compiled and a database of contact information was created. The in-depth site visits resulted in a collection of commonalities among those coalitions as well as those structures, programs and projects which were unique. Models were created and are available for replication by other coalitions.

CONCLUSION:
Through the descriptive study of immunization coalitions, a compilation of sustainable practices was created to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of immunization coalitions as a whole.




LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will be able to:
1. Know how to access ICSP information to replicate projects or organizational structures used by other coalitions.
2. Create a network of coalition contacts