Our Data. Our Voice.

There is little to no information collected or shared about the health of residents of Haitian ethnicity across public health data systems in the United States (U.S.)., despite the increasing number of Haitians living in the U.S. The lack of public health data on Haitian residents in the U.S. represents a key challenge for understanding current health needs and informing policies, public health strategies, and resource allocation to support and advance the health and quality of life of our Haitian neighbors. Furthermore, when a demographic group is absent from the data, they are often overlooked by policymakers and resource allocators.

 

The proposed community-based study aims to address these gaps by assessing current health needs, assets and opportunities for health improvement via a comprehensive community health needs and assets assessment in partnership with Haitian and Haitian American residents in Harris County.

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The one-year cross-sectional, rapid community assessment study will be guided by practice and theory-based planning frameworks that include Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP), Environmental Asset Assessment, and Intervention Mapping (IM). Our mixed methods research approach will include data collected via key informant interviews, focus groups with community members, and a community health assessment survey to pinpoint the unique health challenges, barriers, and needs of this growing  community. The data gathered in this study can serve as a foundation for developing culturally sensitive policies, programs, and services to enhance health outcomes for the Haitian population