title: Drawing from Freirian empowerment methods to develop and use innovative learning maps: increasing enrollment of uninsured children on Detroit's eastside.
abstract: In 2001, virtually every child on Detroit's eastside was eligible for health coverage, yet approximately 3,000 children remained uninsured. The primary aim of the Eastside Access Partnership (EAP), a community-based participatory research collaboration, was to increase enrollment of uninsured children in state programs. To achieve this aim, one of the approaches that EAP is using is the innovative Learning Map titled Choosing the Healthy Path, which was developed in collaboration with Root Learning, Inc. Although Learning Maps were originally developed to assist corporations in implementing strategic change, their integration of visualization and interactive dialogue incorporates Freirian principles of empowerment education, making them a viable option for providing meaningful learning opportunities for community residents. This article presents the collaborative process involving the University of Michigan, local community-based organizations, community members, and Root Learning consultants to develop a visual map that enables community residents to understand and overcome the barriers that prevent them from obtaining health insurance for their children.
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Ellen D S
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lichtenstein
authors.forename: Alonzo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Banaszak-Holl
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Penni
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Scherry
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: Nancy M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Baum
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000385:Aid to Families with Dependent Children / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003256:Community Participation; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017057:Medically Uninsured; D008824:Michigan; D017145:Models, Educational; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D013221:State Health Plans; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014481:United States