The MATCH Project is a community-based preparedness initiative of the

2. The MATCH Project is a community-based preparedness initiative of the University of South Carolina Funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

3. The Purpose of the MATCH Project To protect the public’s health now and in the future by preparing for new and emerging infectious diseases and to ensure that communities— particularly underserved and disenfranchised communities—are able to effectively mobilize against threats to community health.

4. The MATCH Project Goals • To engage with key partners to address the convergence of animal and human health. • To facilitate the engagement of Minority Serving Institutions in a meaningful partnership to enhance public health preparedness at the community level. • Produce a capacity-building training program that promotes community involvement and innovation.

5. Our Approach To ensure a broad geographic reach and appropriate community-level immersion, USC has engaged the network of 1890 Institutions—particularly their Extension Services—as partners in fostering community engagement. The involvement of Extension administrators and their agents will serve to ensure a community focus and will promote meaningful partnership with multiple local stakeholders.

6. 1890 Land-Grant Institutions www.nasulgc.org

7. Partnership Overview • The partnership with the 1890 network aims to: • Protect the public’s health now and in the future • Prepare for new and emerging infectious diseases • Enhance collaboration/coordination in preparedness • Incorporate community, national, and international • voices in science-based dialogues

8. The MATCH Timeline… Spring 2007 – Site visits to all 1890 Institutions May 21-22, 2007 – Formal needs & assets assessment June 27, 2007 – Meeting with Extension Administrators October 8-11 2007 – Training event in Atlanta Winter/Spring 2008 – Support community projects July 28-31, 2008 – Capstone event in Atlanta

9. Community-Based Projects The overall capacity-building effort of the MATCH Project is intended to tie together the 2007 training event with ongoing community-based projects across the 1890 network. Those projects are intended to promote innovation in preparedness at the local level—particularly among underserved and disenfranchised communities. A capstone event will be held in July 2008 to showcase aspects of enhanced community capacity and to plan for future directives.

10. Direct Benefits to Partners • USDA Strategic Goals: • Enhance economic opportunities for agricultural • procedures • Support increased economic opportunities and • improved quality of life in rural America • Enhance protection and safety of the Nation’s • agriculture and food supply • Improve the Nation’s nutrition and health • Protect and enhance the Nation’s natural resource • base and environment

11. Desired Outcomes • Increased community preparedness for new and emerging infectious diseases • Enhanced collaboration among community stakeholders in preparedness activities • Increased awareness of the unique needs of underserved and disenfranchised communities

12. For more information on the MATCH Project, please consult our website: www.sph.sc.edu/match