A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health

Abstract Over the past two decades, scientific research on the connections between the health and resilience of marine ecosystems and human health, well‐being, and community prosperity has expanded and evolved into a distinct “metadiscipline” known as Oceans and Human Health (OHH), recognized by the...

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Main Authors: Margaret A. Carson, Diane M. Doberneck, Zac Hart, Heath Kelsey, Jennifer Y. Pierce, Dwayne E. Porter, Mindy L. Richlen, Louisa Schandera, Heather A. Triezenberg
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2022-06-01
Series:Community Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1029/2022CSJ000001
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author Margaret A. Carson
Diane M. Doberneck
Zac Hart
Heath Kelsey
Jennifer Y. Pierce
Dwayne E. Porter
Mindy L. Richlen
Louisa Schandera
Heather A. Triezenberg
author_facet Margaret A. Carson
Diane M. Doberneck
Zac Hart
Heath Kelsey
Jennifer Y. Pierce
Dwayne E. Porter
Mindy L. Richlen
Louisa Schandera
Heather A. Triezenberg
author_sort Margaret A. Carson
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Over the past two decades, scientific research on the connections between the health and resilience of marine ecosystems and human health, well‐being, and community prosperity has expanded and evolved into a distinct “metadiscipline” known as Oceans and Human Health (OHH), recognized by the scientific community as well as policy makers. OHH goals are diverse and seek to improve public health outcomes, promote sustainable use of aquatic systems and resources, and strengthen community resilience. OHH research has historically included some level of community outreach and partner involvement; however, the increasing disruption of aquatic environments and urgency of public health impacts calls for a more systematic approach to effectively identify and engage with community partners to achieve project goals and outcomes. Herein, we present a strategic framework developed collaboratively by community engagement personnel from the four recently established U.S. Centers for Oceans and Human Health (COHH). This framework supports researchers in defining levels of community engagement and in aligning partners, purpose, activities, and approaches intentionally in their community engagement efforts. Specifically, we describe: (a) a framework for a range of outreach and engagement approaches; (b) the need for identifying partners, purpose, activities, and approaches; and (c) the importance of making intentional alignment among them. Misalignment across these dimensions may lead to wasting time or resources, eroding public trust, or failing to achieve intended outcomes. We illustrate the framework with examples from current COHH case studies and conclude with future directions for strategic community engagement in OHH and other environmental health contexts.
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spelling doaj-art-fe96d3d970484af2afd827843a42a6932025-08-20T03:00:01ZengWileyCommunity Science2692-94302022-06-0111n/an/a10.1029/2022CSJ000001A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human HealthMargaret A. Carson0Diane M. Doberneck1Zac Hart2Heath Kelsey3Jennifer Y. Pierce4Dwayne E. Porter5Mindy L. Richlen6Louisa Schandera7Heather A. Triezenberg8Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health University of South Carolina Columbia SC USAUniversity Outreach and Engagement Michigan State University East Lansing MI USADepartment of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health University of South Carolina Columbia SC USAUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Cambridge MD USAUniversity of South Alabama Mobile AL USADepartment of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health University of South Carolina Columbia SC USABiology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole MA USADepartment of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health University of South Carolina Columbia SC USAMichigan Sea Grant Michigan State University Extension, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife East Lansing MI USAAbstract Over the past two decades, scientific research on the connections between the health and resilience of marine ecosystems and human health, well‐being, and community prosperity has expanded and evolved into a distinct “metadiscipline” known as Oceans and Human Health (OHH), recognized by the scientific community as well as policy makers. OHH goals are diverse and seek to improve public health outcomes, promote sustainable use of aquatic systems and resources, and strengthen community resilience. OHH research has historically included some level of community outreach and partner involvement; however, the increasing disruption of aquatic environments and urgency of public health impacts calls for a more systematic approach to effectively identify and engage with community partners to achieve project goals and outcomes. Herein, we present a strategic framework developed collaboratively by community engagement personnel from the four recently established U.S. Centers for Oceans and Human Health (COHH). This framework supports researchers in defining levels of community engagement and in aligning partners, purpose, activities, and approaches intentionally in their community engagement efforts. Specifically, we describe: (a) a framework for a range of outreach and engagement approaches; (b) the need for identifying partners, purpose, activities, and approaches; and (c) the importance of making intentional alignment among them. Misalignment across these dimensions may lead to wasting time or resources, eroding public trust, or failing to achieve intended outcomes. We illustrate the framework with examples from current COHH case studies and conclude with future directions for strategic community engagement in OHH and other environmental health contexts.https://doi.org/10.1029/2022CSJ000001harmful algal bloomshuman healthpollutantsocean health
spellingShingle Margaret A. Carson
Diane M. Doberneck
Zac Hart
Heath Kelsey
Jennifer Y. Pierce
Dwayne E. Porter
Mindy L. Richlen
Louisa Schandera
Heather A. Triezenberg
A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health
Community Science
harmful algal blooms
human health
pollutants
ocean health
title A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health
title_full A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health
title_fullStr A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health
title_full_unstemmed A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health
title_short A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health
title_sort strategic framework for community engagement in oceans and human health
topic harmful algal blooms
human health
pollutants
ocean health
url https://doi.org/10.1029/2022CSJ000001
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