ABSTRACT
The Pima County REACH Coalition formed ten years ago as a community partnership to address health disparities related to substance abuse and diabetes in two underserved neighborhoods. Coalition membership was open to area residents, members of two neighborhood associations, the University of Arizona, and any individuals and institutions interested in collaborating. The coalition developed an asset-based approach focusing on community leadership. The coalition builds on significant community assets including grassroots leadership and committed community-based organizations (CBOs). The coalition focused on bringing cycling resources to the Latino community to address the high incidence of diabetes and other chronic diseases and the limited access to safe, community relevant physical activity resources and opportunities. For many Latinos, cycling is a primary means of transportation. The Pima County REACH Coalition developed a successful, sustainable community led approach to improve the access to cycling resources and infrastructural improvement for Latinos addressing key challenges to build on community assets.
