Mapping Health Assets in a Community

The article “Metodología para el mapeo de activos de salud en una comunidad” (Methodology for health assets mapping in a community), published in Gaceta Sanitaria in 2013, introduces a robust and comprehensive methodology for identifying and leveraging the inherent strengths within communities to promote health and well-being. Developed as part of a regional strategy for community health engagement in Asturias, Spain, and closely linked to the Health Observatory, this innovative framework provides a vital tool for local-level health asset mapping.

Beyond the Deficit Model: Embracing Salutogenesis

This methodology represents a significant departure from traditional health approaches that primarily focus on needs and problems. Instead, it champions a salutogenic perspective, aiming to understand and mobilize the “riches” and “heritage” of a community. It integrates a diverse range of resources: from formal structures like health centers, schools, and local businesses, to pre-existing community activities, and even the more informal, personal, and symbolic health resources such as individual talents, social networks, and cultural groups. By doing so, it paints a holistic and empowering “health picture” of the community. The entire approach is firmly grounded in the theoretical models of salutogenesis, the asset model, and community development, specifically drawing from the principles of Asset Based Community Development.

A Structured Path to Community Empowerment: The Six Phases

The methodology is meticulously structured into six practical phases, designed to guide practitioners through a systematic and engaging process of discovery and mobilization:

1. Presentation to Local Agents: This initial phase involves introducing the community participation strategy, sharing existing health determinant data from the Health Observatory, and explaining the asset mapping tool to key local leaders and representatives.
2. Delimitation of the Mapping: Here, crucial parameters are defined, including the specific geographical area for mapping, the target population size, available resources, and a clear outline of subsequent actions.
3. Work with Field Agents: This phase focuses on building capacity at the grassroots level by creating a “driving group” and identifying key informants—individuals with deep knowledge of the community, including those representing minority groups or specific assets.
4. Fieldwork in the Community: This is where the core discovery happens. Assets are localized and reflected upon across various domains: individual (e.g., skills, passion, time), associative (formal and informal networks, volunteer groups), organizational (municipal services, local leaders), physical (parks, libraries, buildings), economic (local businesses), and cultural (theatre, music, art). To explore these assets, a rich array of community participation techniques are employed, known for their effectiveness in engaging diverse community members:
   • In-depth interviews
   • Focus groups
   • Database/web/social media analysis
   • Conversations
   • Mapping parties
   • Photovoice (enabling reflection and discussion through community photographs)
   • Narrative research (storytelling) (inviting people to share their experiences)
   • Coffee talks (facilitated, informal group discussions)
   • Systematic observation with participant observation
5. Web 2.0 Visualization: Identified assets are made visible and accessible online through platforms like Asturias Actúa, where they are organized and tagged for easy navigation (e.g., “sexuality,” “youth”).
6. Transfer to Local Agents and Population: The final phase focuses on broadly disseminating the discovered health assets and their potential. This involves using various communication methodologies, such as workshops, meetings, community forums, and local publications, to revitalize the community’s overall health picture and catalyze processes of change.

Profound Impact and Lasting Benefits

This health asset mapping process is far more than just a data collection exercise; it’s a transformative journey. It empowers citizens to discover the positive factors already present within their community, weave a robust network of relationships and mutual support, and ultimately leads to the development of community-led projects that significantly enhance quality of life and promote health. By effectively linking traditional health indicators with concrete community actions, the methodology lays a solid foundation for establishing sustainable development processes based on a deep understanding and utilization of community wealth.

Conclusion

The methodology described in this seminal work offers a powerful and practical framework for gathering invaluable information about the health heritage of individuals and communities, thereby fostering asset-based community development at the local level. It stands as a testament to the utility of qualitative techniques in implementing emerging strategies of social participation and action research, promising significant advancements in both knowledge and the practical application of community health initiatives.

Reference for the Article:

Botello, B., Palacio, S., García, M., Margolles, M., Fernández, F., Hernán, M., Nieto, J., & Cofiño, R. (2013). Metodología para el mapeo de activos de salud en una comunidad [Methodology for health assets mapping in a community]. Gaceta Sanitaria, 27(2), 180–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2012.05.006