Developing community capacity and improving health in African American communities

Community-based programs have produced mixed results. Community capacity is thought to be a major determinant of program effectiveness. Thus, enhancin g community capacity may increase the beneficial effects of existing progra ms and enhance future program effectiveness. This highlights the need to fo cus on understanding the components of capacity and the methods of enhancin g capacity. Although we are just beginning to examine and understand key co ncepts, community capacity is probably influenced by both relatively nonmod ifiable characteristics (such as demographic factors, institutional resourc es, and social structures) and relatively modifiable characteristics (such as knowledge, skills, and the ability and willingness of members and agenci es to work collaboratively). In their relationships with community members and agencies, academicians and public health practitioners may help acquire categorical funding to enhance opportunities to build community capacity a nd their own capacity as well. The relationship between academicians/practi tioners and community members/agencies probably is influenced by a host of characteristics which determine the degree to which capacity can be built. This paper discusses: the key components of capacity; the factors that infl uence building capacity through collaborations; a community health advisor (CHA) model which both builds on sociocultural aspects of African American culture and is consistent with methods for building community capacity; and how modifications to this model allow it to be compatible with categorical ly funded projects.