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Instructor/Advisor

Allison Higgins

Keywords

Community Needs Assessment, Mattapan, Health Equity, Community Engagement, Survey Research, Social Determinants, Local Interventions

Abstract

This needs assessment aims to provide actionable insights to inform community programs, policy development, and targeted resource allocation in Mattapan. In collaboration with the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC), we developed a comprehensive Community Assessment Survey that captures residents’ priorities regarding physical activity, economic stability, mental health, and support for vulnerable populations. Our survey is designed with an emphasis on relevance, clarity, and inclusivity. It incorporates community input to ensure the questions reflect lived experiences and are accessible to all residents, including marginalized groups through translated versions and varied response formats.

A pretest involving 25 pilot participants, with 8 detailed responses, was conducted to evaluate clarity, ease of completion, and question relevance. Our implementation strategy employs a multi-channel distribution approach, including in-person events, email, QR codes, paper surveys, SMS, and social media outreach, supported by strategic partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. Incentives, including a $25 raffle to encourage broad participation. This poster presents our structured, community-driven approach to engaging Mattapan residents and generating data that will drive meaningful and equitable interventions.

The survey is still ongoing, and the results will be analyzed. Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, the findings will contribute to creating a healthier, more equitable community.

Empowering Mattapan: A Community-Led Needs Assessment for Equitable Change

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