Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, Vol. 83, No. 1
doi:10.1007/s11524-005-9010-9
* 2006 The New York Academy of Medicine.
Victoria Breckwich Vasquez, Meredith Minkler, and Peggy Shepard
Community–academic partnerships have demonstrated potential for studying
and improving community and environmental health, but only recently have their
policy impacts been systematically studied. This case study highlights the evolution,
research, and policy processes and outcomes of a community based participatory
research (CBPR) partnership that has had multilevel impacts on health policy
concerning diesel bus emissions and related environmental justice issues. The
partnership between West Harlem Environmental ACTion, Inc. (WE ACT) and the
Columbia University Center for Children’s Environmental Health was explored using a
multimethod case study approach. The conversion of New York City’s bus fleet to
clean diesel and the installation by the EPA of permanent air monitors in Harlem and
other Bhot spots^ were among the outcomes for which the partnership’s research and
policy work was given substantial credit. Lessons for other urban community–
academic partnerships interested in using CBPR to promote healthy public policy are
discussed.