This progressive resource brings the innovative power of narrative medicine to the forefront of community public health care. Chapters describe community involvement across a continuum of control, from health consultants describing problems and suggesting solutions to health committees designing programs and evaluating results. Narrative strategies to this end, including authentic dialogue and community mapping, are examined in the context of public health and fleshed out with examples of different levels of participation by community members. From the respectful collaboration modeled here, the principles of community public health care can potentially expand beyond the immediate community into other social domains on a greater scale.

 Included in the coverage:

·         Narratives, local knowledge, and world entry.

·         Community and narratives.

·         What is dialogue?

·         The politics of storytelling.

Narrative Medicine and Community-Based Health Care and Planning gives health psychologists, sociologists, social workers, and public health administrators realistic practical insights for tapping into the unique resources communities and clients have to offer. This is the next step in the evolution of public health, toward large-scale improvements in care delivery, access to and relevance of services, and patient and community outcomes.

John W. Murphy received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University. He is currently Professor of Sociology at the University of Miami. His areas of interest are social philosophy and conducting community health projects.

Berkeley A. Franz received her Ph.D. from the University of Miami. She is currently Assistant Professor of Community-based Health at Ohio Universitys Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her areas of interest are community-based health care, health policy, medical education, and religion and health.

Jung Min Choi received his Ph.D. from the University of York, Canada. He is currently Associate Professor of Sociology at San Diego State University. His areas of interest are sociological theory, education, and health care.

Karen A. Callaghan received her Ph.D. from Ohio State University. She is currently Professor of Sociology and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Barry University. Her areas of interest are sociological theory and community planning.