Building a Coalition

Experiences to Share

Keeping natural alliances strong
Having good relationships between the Health Department and the DSS is key for many counties including Stanly, Pamlico, New Hanover, Jackson, Haywood, and the Toe River Health District (Avery, Yancey and Mitchell). These relationships and the resulting support is integral to these counties successes.

My best coalition is Department of Social Services. Without them coming through for me in cases of emergencies where within hours a parent needs medical coverage so a child can receive cancer treatments, the program would fail. It is also such a great PR tool, showing parents that we (governmental agencies) really do care.

Second, are the departments within the health department who know to call me as soon as they hear of any client without medical insurance. They realize that once the client becomes a paying client, then money will come back into the system instead of it becoming a write-off situation. I also try to remember these agencies on special holidays with their favorite treats and a thank you.
-- Ann Bolen, Brunswick County

Exploring new partnerships
In Wake Person, Rutherford-Polk- McDowell, Alexander, Cleveland, Warren, and Robeson counties networking with other agencies is critical.

Alliances include those with other health and human service agencies and programs (like Local Interagency Coordinating Councils), community programs (like Smart Start, Head Start, and Child Services Coordination), community coalitions (like Health Committee of Forsyth Early Childhood Partnership Smart Start and Rutherford-McDowell Caregivers Task Force) and allied Advisory Boards (like Head Start Health Advisory Council).

Macon County's Coalition was established through a sub-committee of the Child and Adolescent Committee of the local Healthy Carolinians Project. The Coalition was made up of members that represented DSS, Macon County Public Health Center, local health providers, clergy, school personnel, community club representatives and other members of the community.
-- Diane Keener, Macon Co.

Remember all of the individuals who have contacted you about increased need for coverage for children and have their organizations be a part of your coalition.
-- Diana Tini, Mecklenburg Co.

I collaborate with community organization leaders through the Wilson Community Council Meetings.
-- Janice Edmundson, Wilson Co.

Also networking on projects for children and their parents, participating in NC Parks and Recreation Centers, the American Red Cross and Civil Centers has worked well. -- Gloria Allen, Robeson County

Partnering with UNC Student Health Outreach Organization and other community agencies has been a very effective means of building community coalition
--Darrell Renfroe, Orange County

The Health Check/ NC Health Choice coalition was formed directly from the Scotland County Interagency Committee. Representatives from each agency in the county are part of this interagency group and serve as members of the coalition.
--Annie Locklear, Scotland County

Include representative(s) from the school system(s) and the hospital/medical providers (e.g. a pediatrician and hospital administrator) as well as those agencies working with children (e.g. Smart Start, Head Start, Children First), a minister involved in the African-American Community, United Way, faith based, emergency assistance, legal aid representative, etc.
--Harriett Marlor, Buncombe County