Tackling inequity through a Photovoice project on the social determinants of health

Abstract

St. Jamestown is the most densely populated vertical immigrant-receiving urban neighbourhood in Canada. The Photovoice project engaged and empowered immigrant residents of St. Jamestown to influence public policy and secure improved local services for promoting health and well-being. Twenty-seven residents used photography and storytelling to record neighbourhood characteristics and their implications on residents’ health and well-being. Eight participants presented recommendations actionable at neighbourhood level to the councillor and worked with the city to carry out the recommendations made that were recognized as important for neighbourhood residents’ health and well-being. The results indicate Photovoice can be used to generate dialogue on community concerns and priorities and promote community action. (Global Health Promotion, 2011; 18(1): pp. 16—19)

Keywords

emigrants and immigrants evidence-based practice health promotion organizational case studies public health

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References

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Haque N. , Moriarty E. and Anderson E. Community voices: tackling inequity through a community based initiative on the social determinants of health. Toronto: Wellesley Institute; 2008.

Wang CC , Morrel-Samuels S. , Hutchison PM , Bell L. and Pestronk RM Flint photovoice: community building among youths, adults, and policymakers . Am J Pub Health. 2004; 94(6): 911-913.