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Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Communities catalyzing change with data to mitigate an invisible menace, traffic-related air pollution

Authors: Linda Sprague Martinez, Shir Lerman Ginzburg, Sharon Ron, Cristina Araujo Brinkerhoff, Samiya Haque, Sophia Angali England, Kynza Khimani, Wig Zamore, Ellin Reisner, Lydia Lowe, Doug Brugge

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Objectives

To identify strategies and tactics communities use to translate research into environmental health action.

Methods

We employed a qualitative case study design to explore public health action conducted by residents, organizers, and public health planners in two Massachusetts communities as part of a community based participatory (CBPR) research study. Data sources included key informant interviews (n = 24), reports and direct observation of research and community meetings (n = 10) and project meeting minutes from 2016–2021. Data were coded deductively drawing on the community organizing and implementation frameworks.

Results

In Boston Chinatown, partners drew broad participation from community-based organizations, residents, and municipal leaders, which resulted in air pollution mitigation efforts being embedded in the master planning process. In Somerville, partners focused on change at multiple levels, developer behavior, and separate from the funded research, local legislative efforts, and litigation.

Conclusions

CBPR affords communities the ability to environmental health efforts in a way that is locally meaningful, leveraging their respective strengths. External facilitation can support the continuity and sustainment of community led CBPR efforts.
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Metadata
Title
Communities catalyzing change with data to mitigate an invisible menace, traffic-related air pollution
Authors
Linda Sprague Martinez
Shir Lerman Ginzburg
Sharon Ron
Cristina Araujo Brinkerhoff
Samiya Haque
Sophia Angali England
Kynza Khimani
Wig Zamore
Ellin Reisner
Lydia Lowe
Doug Brugge
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17864-9

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