How and why do some New Mexico community collaborative efforts to build a healthy community work better than others? To help answer this question we completed an in-depth study of two New Mexico counties, Santa Fe and Doña Ana. From this study, we developed and tested a framework with two those counties that are engaging in Comprehensive, Collaborative Community Health Planning (CCCHP).
For our study, we identified and reviewed more than 50 relevant studies and models in health planning, population health, and social determinants of health. Of the models reviewed, we performed thematic comparisons of four evidence-based models widely used for planning, and four models widely used for sustainability
Our findings in these two case studies support the six elements of the initial CCCHP framework. However, the lived experiences of these two communities with different needs, resources, and people suggest additional activities and considerations for use of the framework.
We caution that we conducted only two case studies, both in areas with relatively large populations in comparison to the remainder of New Mexico. Our findings may not be applicable to rural and frontier areas or populations with other characteristics. Because both CCCHP projects were in relatively early stages of implementation, we were not able to document health outcomes. Further empirical research is needed to test and further develop the framework. Despite these limitations, our examination of two CCCHP initiatives allows us to propose that our CCCHP framework can provide a useful guide for community health planners.
This study was funded by the McCune Charitable Foundation.
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