New Mexico School-Based Obesity Prevention Policies: A Study of Community Percep

Senior Fellow Research Projects Sponsored by RWJF Center for 
 
Geographic Area Served

Project Description
The overall goals were to study sustainability of health policy coalitions, the relationship of these coalitions to power structures, and the ability of coalitions to successfully advocate for healthy policies. Specifically, this project studied the power and social relationships between health professionals, political actors and community members engaged with the NM Community Coalition for HealthCare Access (CCHA). Similar case studies are being conducted in several other countries as cross-comparisons of models, sustainability issues and World Health Organization Health for All policies. Using a qualitative, case study design, twelve key informants where interviewed based on their roles as members of the coalition or as outside stakeholders. Analysis of common themes identified facilitators of the Coalition in the policy development process and the use of power analysis; strategic planning to enhance participation in decision-making; and having diverse actors involved from many sectors in the CCHA. Barriers included lack of accountability; lack of skills in working with conflict; the resistance of the power structure to change; and the ability of the power structure to divide advocacy groups and decrease community participation by creating multiple committees. Despite the barriers, some health policies were changed as a result of the CCHA work, supporting improved access to health care and reallocated resources for health services paid by taxpayers.
 
Eligibility

 
Contact Information:
Location Mailing Address
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy
University of New Mexico
MSC05 3400, 1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque
NM
87131
 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy
University of New Mexico
MSC05 3400, 1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque
NM
87131
 
Email Telephone
 center@unm.edu
Jane McGrath and Eva Caldera JMcGrath@salud.unm.edu and ecaldera@unm.
 
 
 (505)277-0130
 
 
Fax (505)277-0118
Website  
RWJF-UNM Center for Health Policy at UNM
   







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