[Report] At-a-glance – Black-focused social prescribing: the importance of an Afrocentric approach
HPCDP Journal, Government of Canada
Visit Article
Authored by:
Sofia Ramirez, BSc, KTPC
Natasha Beaudin, BFA
Jennifer Rayner, PhD
Neil Price, PhD
Daniel Townsend
Abstract
The Black-Focused Social Prescribing (BFSP) project is a unique initiative by the Alliance for Healthier Communities that intertwines Afrocentric principles with social prescribing. Going beyond conventional social prescribing models, BFSP addresses specific health needs within Black communities. It is rooted in the Alliance Black Health Strategy, advocates for Black health, and is guided by Afrocentric principles. The evaluation framework prioritizes client voices, ensuring cultural safety and, by taking time for trust-building, underscores the importance of an inclusive approach. BFSP holds the potential to foster community trust and engagement, and enhance health outcomes in the Black community.
Highlights
- Social prescribing is a health care approach that connects social and clinical aspects of health.
- Ensuring access to services without discrimination is crucial for improving the health of Black people in Ontario.
- Tailored interventions are increasingly recognized as necessary to address challenges faced by diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
- Black-focused social prescribing, particularly the Afrocentric approach, aims to enhance the health outcomes of Black individuals.
- Evaluating a Black-focused social prescribing program requires time to create a framework and to consider its nuanced aspects.
Introduction
Social prescribing integrates social and clinical aspects of health, and recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental and social well-being. Through social prescribing, a formal referral pathway documented in the client’s electronic medical record links them to local, nonclinical services to address issues such as social connectedness, mild depression or anxiety. Social prescribing emphasizes a strengths-based approach to co-creating solutions with clients, as well as regular collection of client self-reported experience measures as meaningful data. While social prescribing is effective in various communities, there is a growing acknowledgement of the necessity for tailored interventions addressing the unique experiences of ethnic and cultural populations.Footnote
1 In this article, we delve into the importance of an Afrocentric approach within Black-focused social prescribing (BFSP), emphasizing cultural context and community focus in improving the health outcomes of Black individuals.
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By
HPCDP Journal, Government of Canada
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Published
Jun 20, 2024
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Subject Area
- Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Relations
- Intercultural/Interfaith/Interlingual; Immigrants, Refugees, and Other Newcomers
- Non-profit / Charitable sector
- Seniors’ Planning & Action Tables/Committees
- General Health and Wellness
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Social Connectedness / Social Isolation
- Information, Referral, & Advocacy
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Audience
- Academics
- Funders
- Government (Politicians, Policy Makers) and Health Authorities
- Service Providers (Non-profits, Community Organizations, Local government)
- Caregivers, Seniors & Volunteers
- Government
- Health Authorities
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Category
- Best Practices
- Advocacy
- Evidence-based & emerging practices
- Research & Evidence
- Research & Reports
- Organizational development
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