Nothing About Us, Without Us: Collaborating with Communities to Advance Black Health Equity Through Data Visualization

Abstract Information: Nothing About Us, Without Us: Collaborating with Communities to Advance Black Health Equity Through Data Visualization The Council on Black Health (CBH) is a national research and action network dedicated to advancing health equity in Black communities. CBH is a data-driven organization that uses data to set and achieve goals essential to our mission and to evaluate and enhance our work's impact. We use robust metrics and indicators to measure our success. Our work is informed by CBH’s Black Health Bill of Rights that outlines a vision and strategies for achieving optimal health in Black communities. This skill-building workshop explores the design and implementation of a comprehensive, forward-facing data dashboard that serves to: 1) connect the organization’s work to its core guiding principles outlined in our mission-driving Black Health Bill of Rights; 2) assess performance management within, and across, research, policy, and practice efforts; and 3) share organizational success with stakeholders. During this skill-building workshop we will describe how the dashboard was developed and its role in internal capacity-building, promoting data literacy, and fostering trust with stakeholders. Dashboard Development: A 2021 Robert Wood Johnson commission report expressed the need for data transparency and tools relevant to, co-owned by, and accessible to communities. The Council’s dashboard was informed by these conversations and the desire to use data to advance equity and support community leaders and initiatives. Internal Capacity Building: The dashboard is an essential performance management tool that serves to create a culture of continuous improvement within the organization. It provides the team with clear, up-to-date information on project progress and key performance indicators aligned with the organization's strategic goals. These indicators track strategic priorities like reducing the burden of chronic illnesses that disproportionately impact Black communities, increasing access to high-quality healthcare and improving health communication with and in the Black community. Promoting Data Literacy: The dashboard is intentionally designed with data literacy in mind. By presenting information in an accessible format and incorporating performance management terminology, CBH equips viewers with the knowledge needed to understand the data presented. Fostering Trust with Stakeholders: Recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability, CBH’s dashboard is publicly available on the organization's website. As a forward-facing tool, the dashboard gives community members, funders, and partner organizations insight into CBH's work, strategy, and values. This fosters trust with stakeholders and creates a collaborative environment where partners can actively engage with CBH's work and contribute to achieving shared health equity goals. Lessons Learned and Broader Impact: Our experience with the data dashboard highlights the power of data visualization and evaluation to bridge the gap between non-profit organizations, community members, partners, and funders. This skill-building workshop will provide valuable insights for other organizations seeking to promote trust, build data literacy, and advance health equity in Black communities.