A University-Church-Community Look at Community Health Using Community-Based-Participatory Research

The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed-method approach using quantitative methods followed by qualitative inquiry was to assess a Southern California community’s perception its health and barriers improving health. aspects CBPR project church-university-community partnership further describe member perceptions their community contributors/barriers Four focus group interviews were conducted over eight months at two elementary schools with the mothers school children (N = 21) in 2017–2018 2018–2019 years, including one Spanish-only group. themes emerged, describing contributors well-being: lack connection, poor communication, fear/anxiety, access affordable healthcare. findings highlight how small anchor institutions, those whose primary mission is not (church, school, trailer park, local businesses, etc.), can be facilitators address these disruptions connectivity, care present within healthcare system itself, disappointed recipients “care”. church as care, collaboration educational suited invite participation, affirm humanness, build trust, offer increased neighborhoods surrounding location.