Research in a community health center: A framework for action.

Research and evaluation is a central part of the program of the Southeast Wyoming Mental Health Center. An evaluation team of four consultants is used for (1) continuing review of Center goals, (2) developing record forms and systems for processing demographic data, (3) creation of instrumentation and research design for study of individual projects, and (4) analysis of data and writing and publication of reports. The team is closely integrated into the overall planning of Center activities.

A case study in community agency visitation.

Two staff members of a mental health center were asked a series of questions about the role of a community welfare agency, its personnel, and their functions, both before and after one of them visited and worked within the agency. Changes in factor scores of a semantic differential to various staff and agency concepts were also assessed. The visitant showed considerable change, suggesting increased identification with the agency, its personnel, and its goals.