Stories

Colorado's Approach to Collecting Data on Underserved Populations

The Colorado state prevention team collected original data and conducted key informal interviews and focus groups with several communities of color to be inclusive of various experiences and perspectives. Throughout the needs and resource assessment, information regarding historically underserved populations was highlighted. This information guided the prevention team in developing a state sexual violence prevention plan that prioritizes prevention initiatives in communities of color and seeks to adapt and implement prevention programming that is culturally relevant.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/49184

Convening North Carolina's Task Force on Child Abuse Prevention

In its work throughout the state, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) North Carolina had identified obstacles to creating the conditions for children to thrive. To spark a dialogue on overcoming these challenges and on opportunities for policy and systems change, PCA North Carolina recruited an influential ally, the North Carolina Institute of Medicine, to co-convene a statewide task force on child abuse prevention. Together with several elected officials, various government agencies, foundations, hospitals, and community-based organizations, they developed an ambitious vision, whereby “Every child is nurtured, supported, and protected within a safe and stable home and community environment.”

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/communication-resources/efc-building-community-commitment.pdf

Creating a Strategic Plan Minneapolis, MN

Tasked with creating a strategic plan to prevent violence, the Minneapolis Youth Violence Prevention Steering Committee began with a commitment to honor all viewpoints. Committee members agreed that partnerships and collaboration were vital to success, and that “a spirit of cooperation, trust and respect will drive our process.” In meetings co-chaired by the mayor, the Committee developed a shared vision by exchanging observations, stories, and expertise.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/communication-resources/efc-building-community-commitment.pdf

Developing a Prevention Vision Statement in Otoe County, NE

To raise awareness about its child abuse prevention initiative, Otoe County in Nebraska developed a compelling vision statement. The partners wanted the vision statement to articulate their goal and be something everyone in the community could support – “Bright futures begin at birth! Every child will receive the nurturing care essential to become compassionate, contributing members of their communities.”

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/communication-resources/efc-building-community-commitment.pdf

Houston's Approach to Collecting Community Data

In addition to using data from local schools and the police to guide its planning, the multi-sector coalition in Houston recognized it needed to hear from the community. Team members went door-to-door, providing residents with access to fresh food and basic health services. They also asked residents about the challenges facing their community—how violence affected them and what they thought could help make their neighborhoods safer and healthier. Youth played a significant role in conducting interviews and voicing solutions.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/stryve/grantee-profiles

Strengthening the plan to prevent youth violence in Salinas, CA

The Community Alliance for Safety and Peace (CASP) is an existing coalition made up of more than 30 organizations dedicated to gang reduction in Salinas. Through CDC’s STRYVE, public health leaders were able to add their voice to the mix. “We had not really been at the table. …So we had to demonstrate that the public health department had a certain skill set that would be of value,” STRYVE Coordinator Linda McGlone said. Salinas STRYVE offered CASP resources and a step-by-step process to strengthen the coalition’s existing plan, and helped them choose a focus area and strategies based on the best available evidence. CASP now has a framework for planning, pilot testing, evaluating, and sustaining youth violence prevention efforts.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/stryve/grantee-profiles#salinas

Using a Data Driven Planning Approach in Rhode Island

In order to ensure that the planning process was data-driven, the Rhode Island Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Plan drew on demographic and community data, including several statewide surveys and school-based assessments. A prevention system capacity assessment identified strengths and challenges. The resulting data-driven plan focuses on preventing first-time perpetration of intimate partner violence, with elements designed to promote sustainability and capacity development.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/49184