An Intentional Process to Engage Community Members in Priority Setting: An Example from a SC Needs Assessment

The South Carolina Department of Public Health’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment incorporated an intentional, systematic approach to ensure community voices are represented in identifying needs, as well as in setting priorities and shaping strategies. A mixed methods data collection approach, including traditional focus group discussions and a prioritization process informed by the nominal group technique, was used. Family voice experts were also included in a statewide advisory council to use needs assessment findings in setting priorities. By partnering with the state health department and community organizations, the assessment fostered shared leadership and inclusive decision-making. We will share lessons learned, including payment structures for family voice experts and the integration of data to identify actionable priorities and strategies. This will highlight the importance of collective decision-making and priority setting, offering a way to incorporate meaningful community involvement.

Adrienne Parkinson – Graduate Assistant, Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina; Maria McClam, PhD, MSPH – Research Associate, Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina; Pamela Gillam, MPA – Director, Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina; Kristen Shealy, MSPH – Deputy Director, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health Health Programs Branch, S.C. Department of Public Health; Danielle Wingo – Director, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health Health Programs Branch, S.C. Department of Public Health