In April 2005, the Solano Coalition for Better Health (Coalition) partnered with healthcare providers, policy makers, social service agencies, and other members of the African American community to create the Solano County African American Disparities Elimination Project (Disparities Project). This county-wide initiative was created to develop and implement a strategic plan to address health disparities that exist in Solano County’s African American community.  From this strategic plan, programs have been developed to push the agenda of improving the health status of Solano County African American residents to meet the Healthy People 2010 Standards.

The five year strategic plan encompasses four core goals:

• Increase the individual behaviors that positively contribute to personal health and wellness
• Increase the role of the extended family and community (schools, churches and neighborhoods) in supporting positive personal behaviors
• Improve quality of care received by African American residents
• Increase the number of public and private policies and practices which create and support healthier environments and promote positive personal health behaviors for African American residents.

The Disparities Project began implementation of the strategic plan in the summer of 2007 and currently offers the following programs for Solano County residents:

• Critical Mass Health Conductors Project
• Solano County Health Conductors Project
• African American Advocacy Project

Projects

Critical Mass Health Conductors Project

The Critical Mass Health Conductors (CMHC) project was a four-month health education program implemented in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, United Way of the Bay Area, and the Bay Area Black United Fund. The CMHC project aimed to promote health and wellness by training 600 African American residents to become health ambassadors in their respective communities.

Health Conductors Project

Graduates from the Critical Mass Health Conductors project will act as health ambassadors in their respective communities by facilitating workshops using resources provided by the Network for a Healthy California. Health Conductors will teach members of their communities using a 16-lesson toolbox that promotes healthy eating and active living. This project hopes to address the health-related issue of African Americans living in Solano County who suffer from health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancers and cardiovascular disease.

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African American Advocacy Project

The Coalition partnered with the African American Alliance and The California Endowment to develop the African American Advocacy Project. This project empowers African American residents of Solano County to advocate at the local, city, and county level for equitable public policies and health practices. Program participants receive training in community organizing, policy advocacy, public speaking, data analysis, and race relations.

Committees

Disparities Advisory Committee

The Disparities Advisory Committee is composed of community residents, and health/service providers whose work and ideals are aligned with the goals of the Disparities Elimination Project. The primary focus of the Disparities Committee is to actively monitor how the combination of strategies and activities, both funded through the Coalition and present in the community, is effective in achieving the vision and broad goals developed in response to community needs assessments. The Disparities Committee provides a unique collaborative setting that supports the timely and accurate development of community programs, projects, and events that directly serve the needs of those residents facing marked disparities in health and access.

Disparities Physicians’ Advisory Committee

The Coalition supports a 15 member Physicians Advisory Committee who partner with the Coalition to increase diversity and develop culturally-based training and workshop opportunities for Solano County health care providers.  This committee provides a common meeting ground between hospitals in Solano County and the Solano County Medical Society. These meetings have continually resulted in the development and implementation of innovative ways to improve the quality of care received by African Americans and all Solano County residents.

Faith Based Advisory Committee

The Faith Based Advisory Committee is composed of community leaders and clergy members seeking to bridge the gap between Solano County church communities while improving health outreach efforts for Solano County residents. Committee meetings enable members to share novel and gold standards that have been successful in increasing health awareness and advocacy within their church communities.