Health promotion, community-campus-local authorities partnership and new health professional profile

Abstract

Abstract Issue Meinier is a county near the city of Geneva, Switzerland. Following an initial study aiming to identify its residents’ health needs, the local authority formally engaged our Institute to try to resolve the problems disclosed, which were of socio-economic and psycho-social nature. Our objective was to demonstrate that a collaborative approach to implementing effective intersectorial health promotion works at county level and that there is a need for a new role for public health, working at county level. Description of the problem Numerous meetings of the inhabitants gradually developed into a community-wide dialogue, leading them to clearly define their requirements. Old people felt isolated and wished to remain in the village, rather than enter a nursing home elsewhere. Young families could not get established because of a lack of available housing and nonexistent day care facilities for children. Social links between people had diminished. Further difficulties arose from poor mobility. Effets Given these findings the inhabitants drew together to develop a more equitable society, in a partnership between the authorities and our Institute. A participative intersectorial approach allowed a global program to be put together, which particularly united housing, urbanism, ecology and mobility. The project, driven completely by community participation, is now in its fourteenth year, its 40 million dollar budget adopted by community vote. Results One prominent aspect is the new village center, with its sheltered housing for the elderly, affordable accommodation for young families, child day care, a games library, shops and a restaurant as well as an intergenerational park and living space. Lessons The learning and experience gained in terms of community participation and of behavioral and social health determinants has been very important for all concerned. Key messages A collaborative approach to implementing effective intersectorial health promotion works at county level. There is a need for a new health professional profile (the county practitionner).