Know Better, Live Better
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

In July 2021, the Westchester County Department of Health (WCDH) received a federal grant to develop a health education program that addressed health disparities and health literacy in communities experiencing disproportionately high COVID-19 case and death rates. The pilot program relied on dialogue-based learning and engaging Trusted Messengers in a train-the-trainer program with the help of diverse partners, including healthcare providers and community- and faith-based organizations (CBOs).

Because of the positive outcomes observed using this model, WCDH will use the KBLB framework to engage new and existing community partners to support the Westchester County Executive’s recently-launched Westchester Tobacco Free Program. This initiative entails funding and implementing a public health education campaign to all residents highlighting the dangers of tobacco usage, offering tools to help smokers quit smoking, and supporting local community efforts to reduce smoking.

Who are Trusted Messengers   
We work with partners to identify Trusted Messengers, who are individuals who are passionate about community wellness and enjoy working collaboratively toward health equity. In addition to learning about the health topic of focus, Trusted Messengers learn how to moderate discussions among people of different backgrounds who bring diverse opinions to the table. After the training, Trusted Messengers will receive support to lead health information discussions in the communities they know best.

What do community or faith-based organizations contribute?
Community and faith-based organizations contribute their leadership and local knowledge to customize  trainings and discussion sessions to ensure cultural and linguistic appropriateness. They identify Trusted Messengers, as well as the communities that may benefit from having a Trusted Messenger in their neighborhoods.

What is the County Health Department’s role?
WCDH staff are the primary administrators of the program. They coordinate the collaboration of organizations and community, provide and monitor adherence to curriculum, share expertise developed during the KBLB pilot program and lead a program evaluation to measure the effectiveness of KBLB over time. WCDH also funds CBOs that meet certain requirements and help the health department implement KBLB among the populations they serve.

Guiding Principles

Community expertise over technical knowledge:
We prioritize building educational programs that are community-based and community-engaged. By collaborating with community and faith-based organizations and Trusted Messengers, we aim to develop and deliver interactive information sessions that are relevant, culturally sensitive, and linguistically appropriate for diverse Westchester communities.

Listening over lecturing:
KBLB develops health information sessions that are interactive discussions. Trusted Messengers and program participants are encouraged to share knowledge about barriers to health improvement in their community. That way, helpful information is exchanged in both directions.

Prevention over cure:
The popular phrase, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” guides our emphasis on health behaviors and resources to improve overall physical and mental well-being. We aim to equip Westchester residents with sustainable tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones from a broad range of health concerns.

Long-term solutions over quick fixes:
A holistic approach to our health can prepare us better to make health decisions when needed. We also aim to build lasting relationships with health providers, community organizations, faith networks, and the community at large. When new community education programs are developed, the foundation of  trust and understanding developed through the KBLB partnership experience that aids effective communication, resource-sharing, and mutual feelings of support will contribute to the success of ongoing community outreach efforts.