Center for Latino Health Research Opportunities CLaRO

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

ABSTRACT This application proposes an administrative supplement for one additional year of continuity of our NIMHD Center for Excellence, the Center for Latino Health Research Opportunities, CLaRO. CLaRO is an interdisciplinary center, led by MPIs, Dr. Victoria Behar-Zusman, at the University of Miami (UM) and Dr. Mario De La Rosa at Florida International University (FIU). CLaRO’s unifying theme is to conduct and promote multi-level community- based participatory research to prevent SAVA syndemic conditions (substance abuse, violence/trauma and HIV/AIDS) and reduce their adverse health and mental health consequences in vulnerable Latino groups. In the past 5 years, we have solidified our cross-institutional collaboration between two NIMHD COEs—El Centro (P60, UM) and CRUSADA (P20, FIU) to advance the science of health disparities, launch the careers of a new cadre of health disparities researchers, and strengthen community-scientific bridges through high quality, community engaged research, collaboration, and mentorship. Through this supplement, we will be able to maintain the vital research infrastructure of CLaRO and continue, without diminution of intensity, work aligned with our original Specific Aims. Our Administrative Core will continue to provide leadership and oversight for all CLaRO activities, grow our Measures Library, and support statistical analyses, publications and proposals. Our two behavioral intervention studies, Research Project 1, HoMBRES de Familia, and Research Project 2, CA CIFFTA (Aim 2) will be supported for completing their analysis and dissemination aims. The Investigator Development Core will continue a highly successful program for advancing the research careers and mentorship capacity of early-stage investigators, most of whom are from minorities underrepresented in the scientific workforce (Aim 3). The Community Engagement and Dissemination Core will complete activities recommended by CLaRO’s Community Scientific Advisory Board to address SAVA conditions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (Aim 4). Our studies have highlighted how social and structural factors can work synergistically to create unique patterns of disparity for Latinos and in turn, influence the health conditions of vulnerable Latino populations. Our tailored interventions have capitalized on the strengths of the Latino community in South Florida, and our equitable partnership with the community has facilitated the development and dissemination of evidence-based substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention strategies targeting Latinos across the lifespan. With this supplement, CLaRO will continue to provide resources to advance health disparities science and theory that will exert a sustained, powerful impact on research, investigator development and community capacity for the reduction and eventual elimination of SAVA related health disparities among Latinos.