Lessons learned from the uniontown community health project

Objective: To compile lessons learned from the Uniontown Community Health Project. Methods: Lessons-learned information was gathered from project staff and community volunteers. Results: Analysis led to the identification of 6 lessons: (a) Establish personal working relationships in communities; (b) find a local community coordinator to lead efforts; (c) be patient in implementing a community health advisor (CHA) model; (d) be flexible and emphasize simplicity when implementing community activities; (e) recognize that meeting research goals requires compromise; and (f) plan transfer of project activities to the community from the beginning. Conclusion: These lessons may benefit others implementing CHA programs.