Resources > Successful Programs > JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc Medical Communities Project (MCP)
Last Updated: March 22, 2004
Name of Organization/Institution: JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc Medical Communities Project (MCP)
Keywords:
Description of best practice: The Medical Communities Project (MCP) provided tools and technical assistance for health care providers and communities to assess patient environmental exposures, both actual and potential. More specifically, the project aimed to evaluate the utility to health care professionals and public health professionals of integrating patient reported environmental health information with mapping of environmental data for their area. To this end, four pilot sites ( New Orleans, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore) implemented the screening and mapping tools and used the results to promote environmental health in their communities. These sites were all “environmental justice” neighborhoods where residents of color may face disproportionate exposures to environmental health hazards.
Participating health centers created a profile of the environmental health needs in their service area. They conducted patient education and outreach to reduce exposures. In Dorchester, health centers joined together to work collaboratively on improving environmental health in their neighborhoods through the Dorchester Environmental Health Coalition.
Health centers or other interested parties can contact JSI to learn more about the process and to request copies of the patient environmental health intake form that was used. The institution needs to identify staff who will conduct intake interviews with a sample of patients or community residents (about 150 surveys are adequate). Training in environmental health and survey techniques may be required. Optional use of computer mapping software to identify environmental exposures and display survey results may require additional support.
The Environmental Protection Agency provided seed funding for the pilot project. Additional efforts would need to seek their own sources of funding. JSI may be able to be a partner in supporting efforts at other sites, including finding funding and providing technical assistance.
Relevant Materials (click to open new window):
To read PDF files you will need a copy of the (free) Acrobat Reader. Click
on the logo below to go to Adobe's website to download the reader.
Home | About Us | News and Events | Resources