Atlanta Community-based Organizations Disseminate Research Results
Atlanta Clinical & Translational Science Institute’s (ACTSI) Community Engagement Research Program (CERP) is the core component of a collaborative effort between Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Georgia Institute of Technology. ACTSI-CERP aims to improve the way biomedical research is conducted and disseminated throughout the city and across the country. The consortium is funded through the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, one of the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA). The collaborators share a common vision to translate laboratory discoveries into treatments for patients, engage communities in clinical research efforts, and train the next generation of clinical investigators.
CERP’s Dissemination Micro-grant program seeks to increase awareness of research findings from community- based studies through the provision of crucial resources for health activities and projects focused on addressing identified health needs or disparities and disseminating research findings.
This opportunity was developed in response to the short timeframe in which most research projects are implemented, which allows little or no time for Community-based Organization (CBO)-research collaborators to share results with academic or community audiences. For this funding opportunity, CBOs partner with academic researchers from Morehouse School of Medicine, Emory University, or Georgia Institute of Technology. The CBO helps disseminate the academic’s research findings back to the community.
The 2015 ACTSI Community Engagement Research Program Dissemination Micro-grant recipients are:
The Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully, Inc. (CHOICES)
Academic Partner: Starla Banks, MBA, CPHP, director of Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved at Morehouse School of Medicine
There are an estimated 10 million obese and overweight American children who experience the
ongoing frustrations associated with excessive weight and often have nowhere to turn. CHOICES, Inc., a grassroots organization, was formed in April 2002 to join the fight against the deadly epidemic of childhood obesity. This institution promotes weight management and lifestyle changes through nutrition education, peer socialization, physical activity, and community involvement, providing a parent and child resource center for clinically diagnosed and at-risk children of obesity.
Community Advanced Practice Nurses, Inc. (CAPN)
Academic Partner: Linda Grabbe, PhD, APRN-BC, assistant clinical professor, Office of Academic Advancement, Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Community Advanced Practiced Nurses (CAPN) is a unique non-profit organization whose volunteer professionals from all walks of life provide free-of-charge physical, mental, and preventative healthcare services to homeless and medically underserved individuals and families in metro Atlanta. Their professionals work to strengthen the lives of people who are medically underserved and to help interrupt the cycle of poverty. Focus is given to the care of women, children, and youth who are homeless or lacking economic support.
Destiny: The Rock of Escape Warrior for Life
Academic Partner: Melissa Kottke, MD, MPH, MBA, assistant professor, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University
The Rock of Escape is a creative youth development organization that aspires to be a helpful influence for boys and young men who have the courage to change their character and, ultimately, change their destiny. Partnered with the Jane Fonda Center at Emory University, the Healthy Habits program disseminates community-university health findings to promote long-term wellness by helping males to make informed health choices. The organization also provides case management services to support positive mental health through opportunities that equip each boy and young man to stay in school, build a winning character and work ethic, and make dynamic connections with their families and communities by the age of 25.
Southeast Genetics Consumer Alliance and Newborn Screening Patient Registry
Academic Partner:Rani Singh, PhD, professor, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine
Southeast Regional Newborn Screening & Genetics Collaborative (SERC) is an initiative by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration in an effort to address the inequitable distribution of genetics services and expertise across the U.S. Through this collaboration and partnership, they aim to translate research into practical healthcare services and systems to ultimately improve the health and quality of life of individuals with heritable disorders. SERC partners with health professionals, governmental and nongovernmental institutions, as well as patients and families throughout the southeast to strengthen the newborn screening and genetics services in this region through targeted activities.
CERP supports community-university research partnerships by connecting existing academic community research programs, transforming research from a scientist-subject interaction to an equitable partnership, and training investigators in principles of community-based participatory research.