Frontier wellness needs are unique
Most programs meant to address community problems were designed in and for urban or suburban areas. From health and wellness, to substance abuse – what works for large populations is rarely a good fit for remote communities.
Social norms and dynamics are different in communities in which most people know each other. Trust is crucial, stigma is higher, and geographic isolation can also result in greater hesitancy around treatment if people haven’t seen someone they know succeed.
Add to this the historical under-funding of remote areas at every level – local, state, and federal. Without adjustments in access, scale and cultural consideration, the likelihood of standard social and health program success is low.
NCFC Community Wellness programs work through, and customize a variety of existing models such as the CDC Drug Free Communities and various Health Council Frameworks, to help build healthy communities in remote areas. Health equity/disparity workshops, nonprofit startup support, mental health first aid, and suicide prevention programs are also among the specific programs we support for remote communities
Getting started with NCFC Community Wellness
Interested in working with us? Every community project is different, but here are some examples of considerations and general process flow.
Initial engagement
Community representatives can contact us directly. We have also been involved with community partners in the pursuit of grants.
Assessment
Depending on group structure or funding source there are a number of assessment methods that may be used. Coalitions around substance misuse may hire evaluators to measure and analyze community data as well as program process data. NCFC offers community and organizational capacity assessments that measure critical areas including leadership, structure, and community engagement. We can also facilitate the use of other tools that groups can use as a baseline.
Program recommendations and planning
NCFC can provide specific tactical assistance, or strategic initiatives support for larger program goals over time. Planning services include strategy consideration, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and succession planning. Goals, timelines and methodology for measurement are set at this stage.
