What?

To advance the agenda in the Blueprint for Latino Health: Increasing community participation in decisions that impact the health of Latinos and improving the collection, analysis and reporting of health data for Latinos, Montgomery County’s Latino Health Initiative and Latino Health Steering Committee engage in community health planning activities through two workgroups.

Who?

The Community Engagement Workgroup, formed in 2008, is comprised of Latino Health Steering Committee members and other individuals with community participation experience.

The Latino Data Workgroup, formed in 2002, is comprised of Latino Health Steering Committee members and other individuals with expertise and experience with Latino data.

Why?

Despite the advancements made over the past years, limited community participation in the decision-making process and lack of racial/ethnic health data hinder efforts to close healthcare disparities.  Increasing participation of the community and the scope, accuracy, and use of data collection, analysis, and dissemination will enable appropriate identification of the health needs of Montgomery County Latino residents.  Such efforts will allow for rational prioritizing, planning, monitoring, and evaluation of health interventions.

How?

The Community Engagement Workgroup:

• Unites stakeholders in Montgomery County.
• Increases community participation in decisions that affect the health of Montgomery County Latino residents.
• Increases the number and capacity of Latino service providers, community leaders, and consumers who lead efforts to improve health.

The Latino Data Workgroup:

• Provides technical assistance, advice, and advocacy support for collecting, analyzing and reporting health data on Montgomery County Latino residents.
• Sets out a work plan each year to focus on projects of priority to the Steering Committee, Latino Health Initiative, and Montgomery County Latino residents.