Open AccessPublic Participation in Health Education
Author(s) -
Mary A. Hammond
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
canadian journal of university continuing education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0318-9090
DOI - 10.21225/d5bg69
Subject(s) - public health , general partnership , public relations , health education , community health , focus group , sociology , medical education , continuing education , health promotion , political science , psychology , medicine , nursing , anthropology , law
This article describes a unique two-part health education project that took place in Calgary, Alberta, with and for the general public. In Part I, adults were asked in focus-group discussions what they wanted to learn about health. Part II involved organizing and offering health education sessions in various communities around the city. The project evolved into a community-university partnership, based on strong interest and support from community groups. Analysis of the project raised major questions, including ethical questions, about the application of a revenue-generation model to health-related continuing education for the general public. The author advocates a return to meaningful public participation for health-related learning.