Multi-sector Partnerships Research Articles

Accelerating and broadening multisectoral partnerships for introducing and rebuilding HPV vaccination programmes

Accelerating and broadening multisectoral partnerships for introducing and rebuilding HPV vaccination programmes

Collaborating for change: The importance of multi-sector partnerships in addressing poverty and inequality through decent work

Work has stopped being a means to eradicating poverty; More than half of those living in poverty come from a household with at least one working adult. In-work poverty is multifaceted and has experiences across both work and non-work lives, and leads to profound consequences for individuals, their families, and society as a whole. It also has important spillover implications for organisations and managers, diverting their attention and creating rising costs. In this paper we outline the important role for organisations to address poverty, through building a case for decent work. We outline a collaborative multi-sector approach based on partnerships with six key stakeholders whose engagement and collaboration increase awareness and understanding about work and how it can be improved for workers, their families and society as a whole. This work with City of Edinburgh Council, in Scotland, combines processes of open dialogue, knowledge-generation, and dissemination between the stakeholders focusing on creating a fairer world, where people’s experiences are prioritised over economic imperatives, and where human flourishing can occur in tandem with ecological flourishing.

Nurse leaders’ recommendations for implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices in health systems: A qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundDiscrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and other sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals in healthcare settings remains a priority issue. Nurse leaders, who oversee the largest healthcare workforce, are critical in implementing inclusive practices to address LGBTQ+ discrimination, yet implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices and effective strategies is inconsistent. This qualitative descriptive study explored nurse leaders’ perceptions of LGBTQ+ inclusive practices across the United States to inform recommended strategies within health systems. MethodsTwenty-one nurse leaders (e.g., chief nurse executives) from diverse healthcare settings (e.g., children's hospitals and public health centers) in 12 states across the United States participated in semi-structured interviews from October to December 2023. Interview transcripts were analyzed using content analysis to (1) describe nurse leaders’ definitions of LGBTQ+ inclusive practices and (2) identify effective strategies for their implementation. ResultsNurse leaders defined LGBTQ+ inclusive practices to include delivering culturally responsive and competent care, fostering safe and affirming environments, integrating inclusivity into daily interactions and organizational culture, and supporting the needs of both LGBTQ+ staff and patients. Key implementation strategies included fostering a flexible organizational culture through open communication; a diverse workforce; and inclusive mission statements, policies, and strategic plans. Supportive infrastructure involved effective LGBTQ+ training and adapting electronic health record systems to include information on sexual orientation and gender identity. Active and interdisciplinary engagement from staff and leadership, as well as systematic data collection on patient and staff experiences, were essential for driving inclusivity. The advocacy highlighted included legislative support, discourse within the nursing profession, and the incorporation of LGBTQ+ inclusion into healthcare regulations and accreditation standards. Additionally, multisectoral partnerships with LGBTQ+ health experts and external organizations, along with multilevel evaluations, were recommended to develop tailored interventions and promote LGBTQ+ inclusive practices. ConclusionImplementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices in healthcare is a multifaceted effort influenced by strategies at various levels. Promoting a supportive organizational culture, establishing comprehensive support structures, encouraging active engagement, and fostering community partnerships can address the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals more effectively. Future implementation efforts should tailor strategies to accommodate variability across healthcare settings and regions, ensuring that practices are both adaptable and sustainable.

A systematic review of parenting and feeding practices, children’s feeding behavior and growth stunting in Asian countries

ABSTRACT This systematic review evaluates studies focusing on parenting and feeding practices, children’s feeding behavior, and growth stunting in Asian countries. Eight electronic databases were searched to screen studies published between Jan 2015 and May 2021. There were contradictory findings related to gender differences in growth stunting and factors that reinforce/facilitate or inhibit acquisition of optimum growth in children. Theme of parenting practices showed that time spent on childcare, traditional beliefs about child-care feeding and responsive feeding were also contributing factors. Amidst economic improvement, political, social changes, and worldwide execution of various nutritional programs, stunting continues to be relentlessly persistent and widespread in Asia. Undernutrition disturbs areas of the mind involved in reasoning, reminiscence, locomotor skills and also an adverse influence on the physical and psychological growth of children and ensuing learning capabilities. Stunted children have more anxiety and depression and lower self-esteem than non-stunted children. A public health strategy is required to: (i) properly examine stunting with time through collaborated efforts of community members and various sectors, (ii) tackle malnutrition with steps to enhance maternal nutrition during pregnancy, infant feeding practices and (iii) involvement of effective multi-sectoral partnership programs for management of stunting.

Learnings from ‘Everyone In’ initiative in England for improving health of people facing homelessness

Abstract Issue The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented health risk to people experiencing homelessness including risk of infection due to inability to self-isolate, and pandemic restrictions adding barriers to accessing health support. The English Government implemented the ‘Everyone In’ policy at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which offered accommodation to those who were (or at risk of) sleeping rough. This led to integration of support for health, care and housing. Description of the problem Between January-October 2023, a qualitative study was undertaken to understand what worked well and less well in implementing the ‘Everyone In’ initiative for improving physical and mental health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. People who were provided accommodation and those involved in the planning or delivery of the initiative were interviewed. Results Flexibility in provision of funding and support, lack of red tape and joined-up working between partners across sectors were key positives of implementing the policy. ‘Everyone In’ also led to new ways of supporting and overcoming barriers to support, for example, provision for people with no recourse to public funds. Access to health services for people experiencing homelessness was improved by strengthened relationships with service providers, and outreach within the accommodation for wrap-around support. Challenges were faced in support for substance use. Data sharing practices, mental health support, and recognition of trauma were areas that could have worked better. Lessons Availability of flexible and earmarked funding is crucial in implementing strategies for improving outcomes in homelessness. Many short and long-term initiatives have been launched as a result of ‘Everyone In’. This study highlights the importance of partnership working, supported housing and maintaining flexible, responsive approaches to interventions to meet the health and social care needs of people experiencing homelessness. Key messages • Multi-sectoral partnerships and integrating housing with health and care support can improve access to services. • Availability of flexible funding for homelessness strategies supports adaptable and responsive service provision.

Implementing a chronic disease self-management program in Moldova: a roadmap for sustainability

Abstract Chronic disease self-management programs are evidence-based interventions but achieving their sustainability can be challenging. We propose a roadmap to sustainability that examines the transferability of intervention components and fosters multi-level and multisectoral partnerships. Since 2019, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s Healthy Life project, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Moldova, has implemented a self-management program in rural communities. At pilot stage, we achieved a 53% increase in participants’ self-efficacy (Palmeirim et al, 2024). To date, the program has reached 1432 beneficiaries in 70 communities. The intervention cost per participant was approximately 74 Euros. Our evidence supported the inclusion of self-management in the national non-communicable disease program 2023-2027. We designed a roadmap to hand over this innovation to Moldovan public health institutions. Firstly, we unpacked the intervention into transferable resources, processes and roles. These included human resources (a network of 140 facilitators), pedagogical resources (culturally adapted facilitator training and self-management workshop content) and key operational processes (coordination, resource management, partnership building, monitoring and evaluation). Then, we convened a national workshop to discuss the transfer of these components to relevant institutions. We emphasized working in a coordinated partnership across institutions for intervention delivery. Finally, we launched a national working group that will work on the operational modalities of this multi-stakeholder partnership. Achieving an enabling policy environment for self-management created favorable conditions and accountability for institutional partnership building. A strategic reflection on our partner ecosystem was key to leverage local and national interests in continuing self-management approaches. Key messages • We have established priorities among transferable intervention components to match country stakeholders’ ability and readiness to sustain innovative approaches. • We are building an institutional partnership across sectors based on complementarity of experience to sustain the delivery of a self-management intervention.

Building Healthy, Equitable, and Resilient Communities: Lessons Learned From Multisector Community Partnerships Addressing the Social Determinants of Health.

Multisector community partnerships play a pivotal role in public health strategy for understanding and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and promoting health equity. The work of these partnerships is well aligned with building community resilience. The Year 2 Improving Social Determinants of Health-Getting Further Faster (GFF) retrospective evaluation was designed to gather practice-based evidence that can inform future community-driven partnerships to improve chronic disease outcomes and advance health equity by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). This paper sought to determine how the efforts of multisector community partnerships could also support community resilience. Guided by CDC's Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health and health equity principles, the GFF evaluation engaged 14 Multisector Community Partnerships to better understand how their SDOH interventions contribute to community changes that improve chronic diseases and advance health equity. Data collection included qualitative discussions along with additional quantitative analyses of SDOH outcomes, costs, and prevention impacts. This paper focuses on insights gathered from qualitative discussions (2 virtual 60-minute discussions with members of each of the 14 Partnerships) around community resilience. Results from qualitative discussions demonstrate how Partnerships' SDOH efforts created parallel opportunities for nurturing community resilience. For example, Partnerships engaged community members in the design and implementation of SDOH interventions in ways that nurtured a sense of belonging and empowerment to shape their community. To further build community resilience, Partnerships mentioned the importance of sustained and flexible funding, help building stronger partnerships, and a shared goal to build resilience and engage community members. Findings indicate that community partnerships working to address SDOH can drive reciprocal improvements in community resilience-contributions that are critical for advancing health equity. Partnerships suggested that health departments may have opportunities to enhance community resilience through their role as funder, facilitator, and convener.

Insights From Community Organizations Collaborating With Government and Academia to Foster Health Literacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted ethnic minority and other underserved communities, prompting the federal government to fund community-led health literacy initiatives. This evaluation shares challenges and lessons learned, and identifies best practices from community-based organizations (CBOs) partnering with academia and local government to support health literacy programming. In 2023, 20 representatives from 12 CBOs in Southern California responded to an interviewer-administered survey, including open-ended questions about lessons learned. We analyze text data to identify key themes. CBOs expressed a need for additional financial resources and technical assistance, including grantsmanship training, access to in-language resources, support to build and use in-house evaluation systems, and greater university oversight for student collaborators. Respondents highlighted the importance of community engagement efforts to build trust and enhance the uptake of programming. They also stressed the need for specialized training of community health workers engaged in health programs and the utilization of population sub-group data to inform policy and funding development to better serve communities' needs. CBOs are eager to partner with government and academia and acknowledge the need for targeted support and resources that can be facilitated through multisectoral partnerships. We offer recommendations and actionable strategies for funders and academia to create and improve equitable partnerships with CBOs. Partnerships that address the needs and systemic barriers experienced by ethnic minority communities will support local public health goals while fostering resilience and health equity.

Leveraging HIV self-testing to achieve the UNAIDS 2025 targets in the South and Southeast Asia region.

The South and Southeast Asia region has the second-highest number of people living with HIV globally. Despite progress in reducing HIV incidence and AIDS-related deaths, the region still has a long way to go in achieving the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization as an additional approach to HIV testing. This paper provides a commentary on the implementation status, benefits, barriers and recommendations for HIVST implementation in South and Southeast Asia. Additionally, it presents perspectives from HIV testing service experts from 11 countries in the region to put forth recommendations to accelerate the implementation of HIVST in South and Southeast Asia. There is uneven progress in national HIVST policy development and implementation across the region. HIVST, as an additional testing approach, can help to enhance testing coverage, frequency and demand for follow-up HIV services among key populations. Key factors influencing the implementation and scale-up of HIVST include the degree of awareness of HIVST among general and key populations, the development and implementation of supportive national HIVST policies and the availability of public funding for HIVST. To address barriers and leverage enablers to HIVST implementation, generating evidence on cost-effectiveness and budget impact, developing multisectoral partnerships for market shaping, promoting differentiated and decentralized delivery models, and optimizing linkage to further testing and care are recommended. It is crucial to accelerate the implementation and scale-up of HIVST to differentiate and decentralize the delivery of HIV testing services in South and Southeast Asian countries. Sharing experiences among country experts is vital to foster the adoption of best practices and facilitate the trial-and-error process of HIVST implementation. Such collaborative approaches can help South and Southeast Asian countries attain the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, especially the first 95 on HIV diagnosis, and play a significant role in ending the global AIDS epidemic.

Leveraging Multi-Sectoral Partnership for Colorectal Cancer Education and Screening in the African American Community: A Protocol and Preliminary Results.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness and screening rates are still low in African Americans (AAs), especially for those who do not have regular access to health care. We established a multi-sector community partnership between academia, health system, cancer advocacy, and local county treasurer's office (CTO), to test a pilot CRC screening intervention using a tailored educational brochure and fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Participants were recruited at a local CTO in an urban midwestern region. Once eligible, participants were assigned to 2-by-2 intervention arms by educational strategy (brochure vs. no brochure) and FIT provision strategy (direct provision by onsite staff vs. indirect provision via phone/online request). We compared the effect of different strategies on FIT return rates. Of 1500 individuals approached, 212 were eligible for the study. The final sample consisted of 209 participants who were predominantly men (57%) and AAs (85%). No differences were found in the return rates by educational brochure (24% [brochure] vs. 23% [no brochure]; p = 0.82). In regard to FIT provision strategy, direct FIT provision yielded higher return rates than indirect provision (31% vs. 15%; p = 0.01). When the four groups were compared, direct provision with education brochure yielded the highest return rates (33.9%), followed by direct provision only (27.5%), indirect provision only (18%), and indirect provision with a brochure (12.2%). For community-based CRC screening intervention using stool-based test, the direct provision of FIT kits with educational brochure outperforms the other three strategies.

Abstract B064: Community-informed interventions to address cervical cancer disparities among people experiencing homelessness

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are up to four-fold higher among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) compared to the housed US population. Even beyond typical social and structural barriers to healthcare, homeless women experience high rates of sexual violence and trauma, often leading to discomfort with cervical cancer screening and delays/refusals of Pap tests. Despite these issues, strategies for appropriate cervical cancer screening in homeless communities are scarce, and no frameworks exist for routine screening in shelters. Methods: Leveraging an established multisectoral community-academic partnership addressing homelessness and health disparities in Indiana, USA, ongoing community-engaged research is examining barriers to cervical cancer screening among PEH and co-designing strategies to address them. Rapid assessment surveys were conducted with PEH at two large homeless service agencies in Indianapolis and Lafayette to document cervical cancer screening coverage and characteristics of individuals who are unscreened/overdue. In-depth interviews explored knowledge of cervical cancer, key barriers and facilitators to screening, and acceptability of shelter-based HPV self-sampling delivered by trusted community health workers (CHW). Results: Of n=167 survey respondents, 48% were white, 38% Black, 7% Hispanic, 7% other. Mean age was 43.18 years, and mean lifetime years of homelessness was 3.18. Nearly half of participants (49%) were unsheltered, 44% stayed at a shelter, the remainder couch-surfed. One third (32%) were unscreened or overdue for screening, far above state and national averages (24% and 22% respectively). The majority (84%) reported wanting to be screened and believing it is important for their health. Provider mistrust and competing priorities surrounding their homelessness were main reported barriers to screening. Qualitative findings identified key benefits, concerns, and preferences for HPV self-sampling, with many participants expressing interest and willingness to adopt this screening method. Conclusion: Despite a vast majority of PEH reporting a desire and willingness to be screened for cervical cancer, key identified barriers limit access for this uniquely vulnerable population. Ongoing qualitative analysis is directly informing community context-specific CHW-delivered cervical cancer education and HPV self- sampling interventions. This work will ultimately lead to broadly implementable strategies for shelter-based routine cancer screening and preventive healthcare delivery for PEH. Citation Format: Natalia M. Rodriguez, Lara Balian, Rebecca Ziolkowski, Xue Case, Kalesia Smith, Janelle Tipton. Community-informed interventions to address cervical cancer disparities among people experiencing homelessness [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B064.

Scale up of the learning circles: a participatory action approach to support local food systems in four diverse First Nations school communities within Canada

BackgroundAddressing Indigenous food security and food sovereignty calls for community-driven strategies to improve access to and availability of traditional and local food. Participatory approaches that integrate Indigenous leadership have supported successful program implementation. Learning Circles: Local Healthy Food to School is a participatory program that convenes a range of stakeholders including food producers, educators and Knowledge Keepers to plan, implement and monitor local food system action. Pilot work (2014–2015) in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia (BC), showed promising results of the Learning Circles (LC) approach in enhancing local and traditional food access, knowledge and skills among youth and adolescents. The objective of the current evaluation was therefore to examine the process of scaling-up the LC vertically within the Haida Nation; and horizontally across three diverse First Nations contexts: Gitxsan Nation, Hazelton /Upper Skeena, BC; Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan; and Black River First Nation, Manitoba between 2016 and 2019.MethodsAn implementation science framework, Foster-Fishman and Watson’s (2012) ABLe Change Framework, was used to understand the LC as a participatory approach to facilitate community capacity building to strengthen local food systems. Interviews (n = 52), meeting summaries (n = 44) and tracking sheets (n = 39) were thematically analyzed.ResultsThe LC facilitated a collaborative process to: (1) build on strengths and explore ways to increase readiness and capacity to reclaim traditional and local food systems; (2) strengthen connections to land, traditional knowledge and ways of life; (3) foster community-level action and multi-sector partnerships; (4) drive actions towards decolonization through revitalization of traditional foods; (5) improve availability of and appreciation for local healthy and traditional foods in school communities; and (6) promote holistic wellness through steps towards food sovereignty and food security. Scale-up within Haida Gwaii supported a growing, robust local and traditional food system and enhanced Haida leadership. The approach worked well in other First Nations contexts, though baseline capacity and the presence of champions were enabling factors.ConclusionsFindings highlight LC as a participatory approach to build capacity and support iterative planning-to-action in community food systems. Identified strengths and challenges support opportunities to expand, adopt and modify the LC approach in other Indigenous communities with diverse food systems.

Microfoundations of Knowledge Sharing in a Multisectoral Partnership for Grand Challenges

Microfoundations of Knowledge Sharing in a Multisectoral Partnership for Grand Challenges

Cost-Effectiveness of Social Determinants of Health Interventions: Evaluating Multisector Community Partnerships’ Efforts

Introduction: The purpose of this analysis was to rapidly evaluate the potential costs, cost-effectiveness, and long-term effects of efforts by multisector community partnerships (MCPs) to improve chronic disease outcomes and advance health equity by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). Methods: In 2022, the evaluators partnered with 13 MCPs to collect data on start-up and ongoing costs for implementing SDOH interventions and on intervention reach and timing. In 2023, the team used the Prevention Impacts Simulation Model (PRISM) to estimate the longer-term impact of MCPs’ efforts over 5-, 10-, and 20-year periods. The team also analyzed costs and cumulative 10- and 20-year cost-effectiveness of the MCPs’ SDOH interventions. Results: Over 20 years, SDOH interventions implemented by the 13 MCPs can potentially prevent 970 premature deaths and avert $105 million in medical costs and $408 million in productivity losses. The 20-year cumulative results show potential net costs of $38 300 per quality-adjusted life-year gained from the health care sector perspective and indicate potentially reduced costs and improved health outcomes from the societal perspective. Conclusions: These findings can help inform and provide support for future investments in SDOH interventions. With a better understanding of costs needed to start up and implement SDOH interventions, funders and MCPs can prepare for the resources required to do this work. Findings also suggest promising long-term impacts and potential cost-effectiveness for most MCP-implemented SDOH interventions.

Knightian uncertain violence and the challenge of FDI-assisted development: policy recommendations where civilian lives are at risk

In this interdisciplinary paper, reviewing scholarship on both politically motivated and social violence, we use the Knightian distinction between (measurable) risk and (unknowable) uncertainty to examine how international business is affected when violence is directed at civilians, civilians are killed, and violence levels are constantly changing. Using data on 48 African countries (1997–2021), we show the uncertainty of these actions deters inward foreign direct investment (IFDI). As a high-commitment mode of internationalization, IFDI involves deepening knowledge of and exposure to foreign locations. Because uncertainty challenges the feasibility of deepening knowledge and is so hard to mitigate, investors behave differently than under risky conditions—they avoid contexts with Knightian uncertain violence. Our post hoc analysis shows that as IFDI decreases, exporting by local firms increases, suggesting another way to remain globally economically connected. Although our work raises many questions that demand further research, we can already identify useful policy insights. When violence makes a context uncertain to the point of virtual unknowability, IFDI will only assist development if policymakers and MNEs alike work to reduce violence. Multi-sectoral partnerships, increasing educational opportunities, and especially good governance are critical to ensuring IFDI is not appropriated by perpetrators of violence, but instead serves development.

The Development of Social Determinants of Health Outcome Measures: The Role of Multisector Partnerships and Community Validation

Purpose To develop a set of social determinants of health (SDOH) measurements. Problem Despite burgeoning interest in addressing both SDOH and health-related social needs, the evidence on what works is limited due in part to the lack of standardized measures for evaluation. Methods In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) identified 5 SDOH domains related to chronic disease for future programmatic work. These included built environment, community connections to clinical care, tobacco-free policies, social connectedness, and food and nutrition security. Subsequently, NCCDPHP launched an effort to develop a set of SDOH measures for evaluating funded programs in these domains. The approach involved a literature scan and a rating process based on 5 criteria relevant to NCCDPHP’s SDOH priorities. A complementary community review by 13 multisector community partnerships (MCPs) applied a real-world public health practice lens to measure development. MCPs’ ratings were analyzed to create summary scores for each measure, and open-ended feedback was synthesized using rapid qualitative analysis. Results The internal workgroup identified 59 measures from the initial 200 measures. Feedback from the MCPs identified issues of relevancy and burden of measures. Their high scores narrowed the 59 measures to 22 covering all 5 domains. In response, CDC is honing the original measures review criteria to include community perspectives. Conclusion Public health measures development is often an academic pursuit. Engaging MCPs lends real-world credibility to the development of common SDOH measures.

Data Equity as a Building Block for Health Equity: Improving Surveillance Data for People With Disabilities, With Substance Use Disorder, or Experiencing Homelessness, United States.

People with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and people who have substance use disorders face unique health challenges. Gaps in public health surveillance data limit the identification of public health needs of these groups and data-driven action. This study aimed to identify current practices, challenges, and opportunities for collecting and reporting COVID-19 surveillance data for these populations. We used a rapid qualitative assessment to explore COVID-19 surveillance capacities. From July through October 2021, we virtually interviewed key informants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health departments, and health care providers across the United States. We thematically analyzed and contextualized interview notes, peer-reviewed articles, and participant documents using a literature review. We identified themes centered on foundational structural and systems issues that hinder actionable surveillance data for these and other populations that are disproportionately affected by multiple health conditions. Qualitative data analysis of 61 interviews elucidated 4 primary challenges: definitions and policies, resources, data systems, and articulation of the purpose of data collection to these groups. Participants noted the use of multisector partnerships, automated data collection and integration, and data scorecards to circumvent challenges. This study highlights the need for multisector, systematic improvements in surveillance data collection and reporting to advance health equity. Improvements must be buttressed with adequate investment in data infrastructure and promoted through clear communication of how data are used to protect health.

WYO PETe and WAHPERD: Origin, Development, and Successes of a Great Western Alliance

This article describes a successful Wyoming partnership recently developed between the long-standing Wyoming Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (WAHPERD) and the newly founded Wyoming Physical Education Teaching (WYO PETe) Collaborative. The organization leaders engaged in extended discussion about how this multi-sector partnership could collaborate to offer Wyoming physical educators a range of professional development (PD) opportunities that meets their individual needs and the unique barriers they face. The decision to combine efforts resulted in WAHPERD and WYO PETe expanding PD opportunities at state convention and throughout the year. The partnership also saw multiple inservice physical educators joining with university faculty and graduate students to form a WAHPERD Advocacy Committee to survey Wyoming physical education and physical activity policy implementation and develop advocacy tools and guidance documents for teachers to use in their districts. The partnership also led to an annual WAHPERD hosted student event called Healthy Kids Roundup that empowers middle school students and their teachers to promote health and wellness in their schools.

Abstract PO5-26-11: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Drug Research Collaborative – A unique and innovative model for industry-funded, academically driven research to advance the field of breast cancer

Abstract The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is committed to preventing and curing breast cancer through groundbreaking research. In pursuit of this mission, the BCRF launched the Drug Research Collaborative (DRC) in 2016—a pioneering program designed to bridge the gap between academic investigators and access to investigational therapies, thereby fostering greater academic-driven research in breast cancer. The DRC's primary objective is to fund independent, innovative, and high-quality investigator-initiated trials (IITs) and pre-clinical/translational research projects. In conventional drug development, industry-sponsored registration trials play a crucial role, leaving limited resources and scope for exploratory and translational IITs that fall outside the industry's drug approval strategy. Additionally, industry-funded IIT research faces challenges such as reputational risks, perceived influence during internal review processes, intellectual property (IP) concerns, and logistics/program management burdens. The BCRF-DRC program addresses these challenges by issuing requests for proposals to generate creative and unbiased ideas, which are then vetted through an academic review process involving leading breast cancer experts. The most promising research projects are selected for further advancement. The BCRF-DRC program is facilitated by the BCRF research staff, providing project management, while the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium (TBCRC), founded by the BCRF and also supported by Susan G. Komen, supports the clinical trial aspects of the program. Since its inception, the BCRF-DRC has expanded from one to three industry partners, securing a total funding of $25 million for 15 projects, including seven clinical trials and eight pre-clinical projects. This abstract reports on the ongoing progress and outcomes achieved by these three programs. The BCRF-DRC represents a revolutionary paradigm in research funding and collaboration by harnessing the collective power of industry partners, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions. Through this collaborative effort, the BCRF-DRC provides a unique platform for researchers to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into effective clinical interventions, thus making significant strides in the field of breast cancer in the coming decades. By empowering academic investigators, fostering unbiased research, and addressing the limitations of industry-funded IITs, the BCRF-DRC is revolutionizing breast cancer research and driving the development of novel interventions. This abstract highlights the transformative potential of the BCRF-DRC program and its contribution to advancing breast cancer treatments and ultimately improving patient outcomes. The success of this collaborative model serves as a testament to the power of multi-sector partnerships and the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of breast cancer research. Citation Format: Unnati Jariwala, Dorraya El-Ashry, Judy Garber, Larry Norton. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Drug Research Collaborative – A unique and innovative model for industry-funded, academically driven research to advance the field of breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-26-11.

Enhancing intersectoral collaboration: Lessons from the coordinated donor support to the South African COVID‐19 vaccination programme

AbstractDespite the increasing importance of intersectoral collaborations to address crisis situations, relatively little is known about how they are organised, managed and governed. Moreover, within the field of public administration, there is still much to learn about how governments can use intersectoral collaboration to effectively address crises. This paper examines the case of the Coordinated Donor Support initiative in South Africa's COVID‐19 vaccination programme to illustrate the value of multisectoral partnerships, especially for developing countries. This partnership involved donors and philanthropic organisations, non‐governmental and civil society organisations, and private sector organisations, yet it sought to partner with the government, rather than take over the government's role. The paper also explores the complexities, contradictions and threats to such partnerships, and what is required to optimise them. It argues that several measures need to be put in place in the pre‐crisis phase to ensure that such multisectoral collaborations can quickly be mobilised when crises occur. It also shows that partnerships which are forged in times of crisis can assist countries to address their ongoing developmental challenges.