3318 - COLLECTIVE IMPACT APPROACHES TO POVERTY REDUCTION, HEALTH EQUITY, AND MULTISECTORAL PARTNERSHIPS IN PUERTO RICO

Session: 3314 - STRUCTURAL INTERVENTIONS, DATA INNOVATION, AND COLLECTIVE IMPACT: ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH AND EQUITY IN PUERTO RICO
AUTHORS:
Melendez Olmo Fabiola (Grupo Nexos ~ San Juan ~ Puerto Rico)
Abstract text:
Structural poverty is a key driver of health disparities in Puerto Rico, contributing to limited access to healthcare, high school dropout rates, unemployment, and inadequate housing. The ComPASS needs assessment across 21 municipalities underscored these inequities, documenting persistent socio-economic vulnerabilities and their impact on child and family well-being. To address these systemic challenges, the ComPASS-PR initiative adopted the Collective Impact (CI) Model to align multisectoral agendas and foster long-term collaboration. The CI Model emphasizes five conditions for large-scale social change: a common agenda, shared measurement systems, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and backbone support. Guided by these principles, ComPASS-PR convened over 70 stakeholders from government, academia, community-based organizations, and the private sector to co-develop strategies addressing poverty and health disparities. Nine strategic planning tools—including problem tree analysis, empathy mapping, collaboration spectrum, and multi-stakeholder forums—were applied to structure collaboration and prioritize actions. A steering committee was established to guide the process and ensure accountability. Through this collective work, participants defined a shared vision to eradicate child poverty, identifying critical barriers such as lack of affordable housing, unemployment, dropout rates, and fragmented healthcare access. Findings highlight both the potential and the challenges of sustaining multisectoral collaboration. Key facilitators include the strong engagement of community organizations and the use of structured participatory tools, while barriers include resource constraints and institutional silos. This initiative illustrates how applied psychology can inform strategies for systemic change by fostering trust, dialogue, and shared ownership among diverse actors. The CI Model provides a replicable framework for building sustainable infrastructures that promote equity, well-being, and social justice in Puerto Rico and beyond.