The Policy & Research Group Presents Fourth-Year Findings on the APHA Affiliate Capacity-Building Initiatives

October 2010 – The Policy & Research Group has submitted a fourth-year evaluation report of the Affiliate Capacity Building Initiative administered by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The report provides an assessment of how the program progressed toward pre-established goals and objectives during the first four years of implementation. The project, funded by the Kellogg Foundation, seeks to increase the capacity of the 53 APHA state and regional affiliates and the APHA grassroots policy network. The purpose of the project is to improve public health through policy, programs, professional development, public education, and research-to-practice knowledge transfer. The project also aims to strengthen the association's capacity to help Americans prepare for potential influenza pandemic, outbreak of an emerging infectious disease, or other hazard or disaster. Data collection methods include an annual online capacity survey, focus groups, online member and advisory council surveys, key stakeholder interviews, and document review. PRG designed the evaluation plan and prepared study protocols for IRB review. PRG staff coordinate and conduct data collection, present study findings on an ongoing basis, analyze data, and prepare reports.