Community-Based Health Organizations presents the basic principles and practical design and management elements that are needed to create an effective community-based health organization. Once in place, these institutions provide a viable health delivery alternative to traditional, mainstream health care organizations.

This important resource includes a historical and theoretical overview of the development of community- based health care organizations and offers guidance for developing the structure and capacity of CBHOs to effectively meet the health needs within their communities.

Filled with illustrative examples and case studies, Community-Based Health Organizations is designed to be a practical resource. The authors show how to develop leadership and strategic plans, strengthen management, leverage and maximize resources, evaluate programs, and position a CBHO in a changing and competitive health care environment.

Praise for Community-Based Health Organizations

"This is the first comprehensive account of a major new force in health care—the voices of people and communities themselves, working to shape the system to meet their needs. It is essential reading for everyone—students, providers, and planners—who will need these new partners in the effort to improve the health of our most vulnerable populations."
—H. Jack Geiger, M.D., Logan Professor Emeritus of Community Medicine, City University of New York Medical School

"A lively and scholarly account of the successes and obstacles that community health organizations face."
—Nicholas Freudenberg, Distinguished Professor of Public Health, Hunter College, City University of New York

"A comprehensive, scholarly, and passionate book that analyzes the health of communities and describes effective organizing models for change."
—Karen Benker, M.D., M.P.H., assistant clinical professor, Department of Preventive Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center