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Sociology & Social Policy

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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ssp.2025.06.003

Addressing the Health Needs of an Underserved Community: The Perspective of Community Service Organizations

Kim A. Rogers1,*, Bradley J. Cardinal1, Cheryl Hawk2

1Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.

2Texas Chiropractic College, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA.

*Corresponding author: Kim A. Rogers

Published: May 19,2025

Abstract

Barriers to access for underserved populations continue to exist, even though resources are often available within the community. To achieve health equity, addressing this gap has emerged as a priority within kinesiology and wellness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore ways to better understand and serve the needs of the underserved community of East Portland, Oregon, USA. Using the planning portion of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, a community needs assessment was conducted using one-on-one interviews with a broad range of community service organizations (N=10) to identify community health needs, health status, and available services designed to promote healthy living. Thematic analysis revealed three key findings from our qualitative data, emphasizing the most salient community needs related to healthy living––cultural competence, increased community awareness of available services, and interorganizational collaboration. This study provides insight into the unmet health needs of the community, despite the number and variety of services currently available. It also portrays the multiple levels of influence on health behavior, and the subsequent health-related disparities, inequities, and obstacles often experienced by underserved communities, both of which emphasize the utility of an ecological approach to health education and promotion. The application of this knowledge in future program design, implementation, and evaluation would support a more effective delivery of health services, particularly in underserved communities.

Keywords

Barriers; cultural competence; disparities; needs assessment; social justice; PRECEDE-PROCEED model

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How to cite this paper

Addressing the Health Needs of an Underserved Community: The Perspective of Community Service Organizations

How to cite this paper: Kim A. Rogers, Bradley J. Cardinal, Cheryl Hawk. (2025). Addressing the Health Needs of an Underserved Community: The Perspective of Community Service Organizations. Sociology & Social Policy, 2(1), 13-27.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ssp.2025.06.003