• Susan J Zahner and Susan M Corrado.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Nursing, 53792-2455, USA. sjzahner@wisc.edu
• J Public Health Manag Pract. 2004 May 1; 10 (3): 258-65.

AbstractCollaboration between public health and faith communities is encouraged by national and state policies. The study in this article examined the prevalence, characteristics, and effectiveness of partnerships between faith-based organizations and local health departments in Wisconsin. Data were collected from local health departments using a 2-stage, cross-sectional survey. A subset analysis of partnerships that included faith-based organizations was conducted using descriptive, bivariate, and 2-level logit regression methods, with partnerships nested in health departments. Twenty-four percent of local health department partnerships included faith-based organizations (n = 224). Community assessment was the most commonly reported partnership focus. Partnerships that included faith-based organizations were more likely to include many partners and have few partners contributing financially. Partnerships that include faith-based organizations are no more likely to be effective than those that do not. Predictors of local health department/faith-based organizations effectiveness included having a budget and longer time in existence. Local health departments engage faith-based organizations in partnership strategies when addressing issues that require broad community attention. Partnership effectiveness is enhanced by existence of a budget and sufficient time for development.

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