Benioff Community Innovation Project
2017 | San Francisco, CA
PROJECT PARTNERS:
-
University of California San Francisco, Preterm Birth Initiative
-
San Francisco State University, Health Equity Institute
-
SF Department of Public Health
-
San Francisco Black Infant Health
-
Homeless Prenatal Program
-
Urban Services YMCA
-
Women’s Community Clinic
A community-based research program examining inadequate housing and preterm birth in San Francisco
The Benioff Community Innovation Project was a community-based participatory research program that sought to better understand how inadequate housing and preterm birth were intertwined and, in particular, to understand the experience of women as they grappled with pregnancy while living in conditions that did not support their wellbeing.
The program mobilized, engaged, and built the knowledge of a cohort of ten women from San Francisco as the Benioff Community Innovators. Considered “community scientists,” these innovators played a critical role in partnership activities, provided guidance for assessment activities, led the work of gathering data, and participated in the design and implementation of an advocacy campaign based on findings and recommendations from the assessment.
In addition, this project served as a practice-based learning opportunity for San Francisco State University Master of Public Health students as part of their Community Assessment for Change and Professional Public Health coursework. Over seven months, thirteen students completed academic assignments and conducted research in partnership with the Benioff Community Innovators.