Evaluating community capacity to address obesity in the Dan River region: a case study.

Objective: To qualitatively evaluate community capacity among an emerging coalition initiated to address complex regional obesity problems.

Methods: Guided by dimensions of community capacity, this case study applies semistructured qualitative interviews among 12 key stakeholders engaged in the Dan River Partnership for a Healthy Community (DRPHC).

Results: In-depth qualitative data reveals important contextualized information related to community capacity dimensions such as participation, community power, resources, leadership, organizational structure, and partnership.

Conclusion: Findings have provided critical direction for the continued development and sustainability of DRPHC efforts. Others could apply a similar evaluation to better understand factors that promote the development and maintenance of their coalitions.