The Core Team can elicit broad-based support of other state and local leaders to broaden perspectives about how best to improve maternal and child health in their respective state. Goals The Institute has broad goals that are consistent with the 2010 objectives. One community building model with which most are familiar is the HIV community-planning model. These frameworks are consistent with a public health perspective and APHA policy statements. Public health tradition and beliefs and APHA policies and position statements support the emphasis on social justice, equity, public good, and building healthier communities.
All states are eligible.
The most important criteria are the state's willingness and readiness to participate in the Institute, broaden their approach to MCH programming, address issues related to health disparities. The centerpiece of the Institute is intensive 5-day community leadership development training, specifically related to the MCH 2010 objectives, community building and social capital. Another key component is continuing education and technical assistance. The CEI entitled Measuring Social Capital will focus on the idea of measuring social capital by exploring its practical application. Participants will have the opportunity to examine tools for measuring social capital and the final results from a neighborhood survey of social capital.