The Healthy City Collaborative (HCC) is platform in which OCEAN-HP carries out the mission of a Land grant community engaged University. The HCC is formed through the work of two Councils that engages university researchers, external partners and community leadership in conversations and research to benefit the Health of Chicago. The HCC research agenda is derived from the broadest definition of health, which acknowledges inter relationships among individual, social, environmental, political and economic contributors to the health of the city. In coordination with its partners, the HCC develops and promotes a responsive, mutually accepted research agenda as well as provide opportunities for networking, partnership development and education. Further, the Councils allow the opportunity for mutual, productive dialogues among participants to support, guide, build capacity and contribute to revitalization for the many diverse communities served by the University of Illinois.

Research Council

History

In 2005 the Great Cities Institute organized three research clusters to focus on research and issues of importance to the University of Illinois at Chicago in its role as a citizen in the Chicago community. The Healthy City Research Cluster was officially launched in 2006 as one of these 3 clusters and then in a consensus building process was renamed the Healthy City Collaborative (HCC). The change in name reflected OCEAN–HP’s (formerly named Neighborhood Initiatives) commitment to engage all partners in a collaborative process to guide relevant research through the stages of planning, community engagement, action, synthesis of results, translation and practical application. One of the first activities of the HCC resulted in the development and adoption of partnership principles. These principles were reviewed and refined in a consensus process that included review by university researches, community partners, the Community Campus Partnerships for Health Promotion and community serving organizations.

Research Mission

A key indicator of the success of the University of Illinois Office of Community Engagement and Neighborhood Health Partnerships (OCEAN-HP) in living its mission is its success in sustaining mutually beneficial community relationships such that scholars, students and researchers can be introduced and supported in community engaged activities. OCEAN-HP serves as an interface between the university and the community, brokering partnerships, translating information between diverse communities and applying new knowledge intended to benefit the City. OCEAN-HP is an important vehicle through which UIC researchers learn about the resources and needs of Chicago communities, make connections to conduct responsive research and disseminate research findings. More importantly, OCEAN-HP’s focus on capacity building prepares community partners to utilize this information and to generate new research questions.

Partners Councils

OCEAN-HP’s work is influenced by input of participants from our Partner’s Council for Community Health.  The Partner’s Council engages external partners including representatives from members of the community it serves, community-based organizations, city and state public service organizations and internal partners including faculty and staff of the university that have an interest in Community service and education. The Partner’s council is co-facilitated by a community partner. Membership is reviewed and refreshed annually.

Partners Council Committee Charge

The Partner’s Council for Community Health brings together faculty and staff from the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Science System with representatives from community-based organizations, public service providers, faith institutions, citizens and others interested in the health of Chicago.  Participants include individuals with a shared interest in fostering communication and collaboration between the health science system and its neighboring communities.

Contact

Sabrina Nelson
Program Coordinator
sabrina1@uic.edu
312.355.1844

Office Address
University of Illinois at Chicago (MC 579)
818 S. Wolcott Ave. Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60612