3rd Annual Community Science Dialogue held March 29th, 2012

Thursday April 5, 2012 –

Thursday March 29th, The Health Equity Institute and Jessica Wolin, Associate Director, Community Partnerships for HEI, hosted the 3rd annual Community Science Dialogue. This year's dialogue was focused on Peer-to-Peer Health Strategies in HOPE SF Communities. The event took place from 1-4 at SFSU Downtown campus.

September Jarrett, Deputy Director, Interagency Planning, Mayor's Office and Maria Martinez, Senior Staff to the Director, SFDPH gave an overview of HOPE SF and their goals. The goal of HOPE SF is to transform 5 public housing developments into thriving mixed-income communities while involving residents at all levels. Experts came together to discuss why peer-to-peer health strategies are important and the strengths, limitations and opportunities to developing the strategies in HOPE SF public housing.

Uzuri Greene, a Rebuild Potrero Jr. Community Builder, spoke about being a peer in the Potrero housing developments and pointed out the importance that residents feel they can trust her and they she knows what will be easy for one resident and hard for another. She stated, "Peer-to-peer is helpful because it empowers other people. They now you are living the exact same way they are."

The discussion then turned to what the strengths, limitations and opportunies are. The community needs to feel as though they are heard and will continue to be heard. The dialogue was a success and the take-away was that "the community itself needs to define its issues, strategies and its own measures for success." Learn more about the CSD and HOPE SF.

Cynthia Gomez, HEI Director and Jessica Wolin

Jessica Wolin speaking at the CSD

September Jarrett giving an overview of HOPE SF

Uzuri Greene, a Rebuild Potrero Jr. Community Builder, speaking about being a peer in the Potrero housing developments