Using Active Community Engagement Continuum to Address Health Inequities in An Urban Area

Background: Los Angeles County rates for chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) have been disproportionately high among 15 – 24 year old youth of color in District 2 of Los Angeles County.  District 2 also has the highest rates of CT/GC cases in California.

Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will: (1) Understand the Active Community Engagement Continuum Framework. (2) Will conceptualize how to use ACE framework in their local project area to address health disparities and inequities to control the incidence and prevalence of STDs.

Methods: Beginning in 2006, the local STD program began to address the burden of disease among Hispanic and black youth in District 2.  Local community leaders were mobilized to help design and implement behavioral interventions targeting individuals and special populations based on interpersonal social network, community and societal influences.  In mobilizing the community, STDP staff used the ACE framework to develop and implement several STD prevention interventions which include a media campaign, testing intervention, and a comprehensive control plan.

Results: The Department of Public Health has engaged the community over years.  These community partners have been an integral part of the county’s prevention of STDs over the past five years and in a future four year plan to control CT/GC rates in Los Angeles Supervisorial District 2.

Conclusions: The community collaborations developed in District 2 provided the opportunities strengthen STD prevention initiatives that can be replicated in other communities.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: STD Programs should consider interventions that mobilize community stakeholders to develop collaborative, multilevel interventions to expand the reach and sustainability of the program.