Engaging communities in research is critical for reducing and, in time, eliminating health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The known benefits of this engagement include enhanced research study designs, expansion of public trust in research, increased community research participation, and improved uptake and translation of research findings that are relevant for disparate populations. Cultivating and sustaining meaningful community involvement in research, however, remains one of the most significant challenges facing clinical and behavioral research programs. Guided by leaders with substantial experience in community engaged research, public health, and clinical research, the Community Engagement Core will employ an inclusive and participatory engagement philosophy to involve disparate communities in all aspects of the health disparities research at Meharry Medical College. A conceptual framework that recognizes the structural, social, cultural, behavioral, and biological factors that influence disparities will guide the Community Engagement Core's implementation of 3 specific aims:
Aim 1 - Meaningfully engage community-based organizations in all aspects of the health disparities research including priority-setting, study conduct, and dissemination to address their health-related concerns;
Specific Aim 2 - Promote community participation in research and catalyze recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups as research participants;
Aim 3 - Enhance dissemination of health disparities research findings to community stakeholders using culturally-relevant strategies. In implementing these aims, the Community Engagement Core strives to equip and empower community- based organizations to both lead and partner on efforts to address health disparities, increase and enhance the pipeline of community engaged researchers at Meharry Medical College, and inform the field on best practices for engaging communities in efforts to eliminate health disparities.
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