Learning Objective #1: Identify two strategies for building community engagement in the research process

Learning Objective #2: Develop at least one alternative approach to working with communities where significant health disparities exist

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Recent interest in the research community has focused on efforts to reduce health disparities. There is clear evidence that there are disparities in both health promotion and disease prevention and treatment approaches in certain racial, ethnic, gender or sexual orientation. However, finding effective strategies to engage the community in meaningful participation in the design and implementation of research programs remains a challenge. The challenge is compounded with the mandated inclusion of HIPAA language and clear delineation of potential risks associated with participation in research. In order to improve research outcomes and provide meaningful benefits to the community it is essential that relationship building, ongoing advice and development of community buy-in and ownership of the research be created. This presentation will look at several strategies being used by a Project EXPORT Center of Excellence in Health Disparities Research to actively engage the community and build the infrastructure to support future translational research initiatives. Successes and lessons learned from the first two years of this project will be discussed.