Trust is built through listening, action, and transparency. As Health Director for Halifax County, NC, I encountered deep distrust in public health. Partnering with the local hospital and FQHC, we applied the Community-Centered Health Homes (CCHH) model to engage residents directly. Listening sessions revealed barriers like transportation and food access, and we took action by developing free-ride programs and expanding food distribution efforts. By consistently sharing progress and addressing concerns, I built lasting bonds with the community. These bonds remain strong today even though I am no longer there. My father always said, “Listening and following through create lasting change,” and I carry that with me every day.

Thoroughly understand and have a genuine desire to learn about the community you are trying to reach. Begin with reflecting as a team/individual on all assumptions and information you are coming in with. Then challenge those assumptions and refine/increase the information often based on your interactions. I find it most helpful to connect with a trusted source from the community. This is someone who can help to build trust, encourage participation, communicate honestly about concerns from the community, and identify potential challenges and gaps of understanding. It's of utmost importance to come ready to listen and to be of service in a way that the community finds valuable.