Equitable Partnerships between Community-Based and Traditional Public Health Organizations: Recommendations from the Field.

Abstract

The purpose of this brief report was to qualitatively explore barriers to fostering equitable partnerships between community-based organizations (CBOs) and traditional public health (TPH) groups, and to provide interviewee-driven recommendations. We conducted semi-structured interviews from February to June 2019 with representatives from CBOs (n = 9), TPH groups (n = 12), and the Praxis Project (n = 2). We used thematic analysis with a priori categories (e.g., barriers) and themes being allowed to emerge within the categories. Interviewees discussed group tensions arising from power dynamics, initial distrust, and inherent differences. Also, the TPH-dominated funding landscape reportedly caused issues for CBOs, such as mission distortion, inequitable funding distribution, and lack of long-term funding. Interviewees suggested several potential solutions such as personal relationship building, addressing power dynamics, and inclusive funding agenda-setting processes. Those working in public health can follow the practical guidance presented in this study and others to foster equitable partnerships with communities and the CBOs that represent them.