This research project focuses on an innovative, collaborative approach to creating access to services and coordinating efforts that involve the co-location of services. This exploratory study examines how and why organizations collaborate with one another by co-locating to provide health and social services to low-income families. Comparative case study methods are used to examine two sites in Alameda County. The goal of the study is to describe how and why co-located service centers are developed and implemented by identifying and illustrating variations in the structures, processes, and other characteristics of the two study site centers.

Lorraine Midanik is the Principal Investigator for this project and Cheryl Walter is the Project Director. Funding is provided by the Center for Social Services Research.

Related Report: Walter, C. (1998). Location, Location, Location: The Key Elements & Factors Involved in Co-Locating Human Services for Low-Income Families.

Social Work Health Specialization Curriculum Evaluation: An Update for the 21st Century

The purpose of this project is to explore and accurately determine what is needed to best prepare graduate levelsocial workers for work in the health care environment of the 21st century. It is expected that the results from this study will have implications for graduate curriculum in other schools of social work.

The Principal Investigator is Lorraine Midanik and the Project Director is Joan Dunkel; funding is provided by the School of Social Welfare.

Epidemiology of Alcohol Problems: 1999 National Alcohol Survey

This study will be a tenth National Alcohol Survey of the U.S. population to assess trends in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. In addition, the survey will also assess co-morbidity, service utilization, and risk-taking behavior. The data obtained from this survey will augment the surveillance data required to assess the attainment of policy goals for Health People 2000.

The Principal Investigator is Lorraine Midanik; funding is provided by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Epidemiology of Alcohol Problems: Methodologic Studies of Survey Design and Measurement

This project investigates methodologic issues of survey design and measurement in alcohol surveys. Two areas that will be examined are: modes of data collection (face-to-face versus telephone interviews) and cognitive strategies used by respondents in understanding and responding to questions on alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, and alcohol-related consequences.

The Principal Investigator is Lorraine Midanik; funding is provided by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.