It is helpful to be aware of some initial guiding principles while in the process of designing NMHM in your community:
- ELIMINATING THE DISPARITY WILL REQUIRE A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF PROGRAMS.
It will be essential to start with one strategy and then to allow that initial one to produce the subsequent strategies. Coalition building and collaborating is a good way to increase the quantity and quality of strategies used.
- THE NMHM PROGRAM SHOULD ADDRESS SEVERAL CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR THE DISEASES INVOLVED IN THE DISPARITY.
There are underlying causes and risk factors for these diseases, some of which are individual and some of which are societal. For example, programs that involve alleviating one of the causes of the disparity, such as obesity, must also acknowledge the fast food restaurants and the advertisements that promote and encourage unhealthy eating within the community.
- THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES.
There are no quick fixes. Success in eliminating the disparity requires a long-term commitment. The true impact of this work will come after a network of activities continue to occur long after the program funding stream is complete and attitudes and behaviors are altered.
