Community Engagement Core

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PROJECT SUMMARY (CEC) The RCMI-Center for Health Disparities Research (RCHDR) Community Engagement Core (CEC) serves as the nexus for the translation of novel research findings to reduce the incidence and prevalence of health disparity-related diseases in the three-county area of Central Mississippi. Through an effective community advisory board (CAB), JSU investigators and community stakeholders work together to facilitate community- based participatory research and the translation of the resulting scientific knowledge to address the local health disparity issues. The CEC overarching goal is to improve minority heath and reduce health disparities among residents of Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties in Central Mississippi, with a population of about half a million of which 53% are underserved minorities. The CEC will achieve its goal through three specific aims including the following: Specific Aim1. To establish long-term relationships with community based organizations in order to address health disparity issues of concern to minority and underserved communities. Approach: Identify key community partners and stakeholders. Build mutually beneficial relationships with community-based organizations and local residents. Organize meetings and workshops with advocacy groups and community-based organizations to identify, assess and prioritize health disparity issues of concern. Involve community members in framing the research questions and research process for our Pilot Project Program. Build upon and improve our strategic processes to sustain productive partnerships. Specific Aim 2. To promote engagement in biomedical research and facilitate recruitment and retention of community residents as study participants. Approach: Facilitate access of RCHDR investigators to field sites. Utilize the RCHDR website to promote technology transfer and engage local communities in basic biomedical, behavioral and/or clinical research aimed at promoting minority health and reducing health disparities. Organize training workshops on health disparity issues of concern to minorities and underserved communities in order to expand health knowledge and broaden community participation. Provide scientific expertise and communicate the needs, significance and benefits of participating in translational research. Specific Aim 3. To disseminate findings from research projects into community level practice and prevention to improve community health, and reduce health disparities. Approach: Develop and implement effective communication and outreach tools. Develop and largely distribute appropriate health education materials to the community residents. Organize stakeholders’ seminars, workshops and conferences to share the best practices in health disparity research and education. Further disseminate these best practices and research findings though presentations and publications in scientific journals, social media communications, and RCHDR website.