Development of Investigators Supporting Community Outreach and Value of Engagement in health disparities Research (DISCOVER)

Georgetown University, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Development of Investigators Supporting Community Outreach and Value of Engagement in health disparities Research (DISCOVER) program will support and sustain early career health equity investigators that conduct research for Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino Washington, DC residents that experience health inequities in cancer, stroke and maternal health. The Community Engagement and Dissemination Core (CEDC) is responsible for outreach, engagement, communication and dissemination of results for Georgetown’s P50 Center for Excellence . The CEDC will facilitate investigators’ efforts to build equitable, sustainable, meaningful, and collaborative relationships with DC community members. In collaboration with the Community Advisory Board and Investigator Development Core, the CEDC will design work with early career investigators to engage with members of the Washington DC community, share results and, ultimately, strive to implement results from research into sustainable change. Community engagement requires investigators to learn cultural humility, how to create equitable partnerships, identify and approach community partners, create equitable research budgets, and design relevant outreach materials. The CECD will develop and implement methods and structures for investigators to engage with community members. This will include overseeing the engagement of community members in DISCOVER’s activities such as community members’ participation in a launch meeting and “Idea Lab” sessions where investigators brainstorm ideas. The CEDC will partner with many DC based organizations such as Nueva Vida (Latino cancer), the Stroke Comeback Club, and Community of Hope (Black maternal health). These community meetings will be structured to maximize co-learning and equitable dialogue and minimize power differentials. CEDC will also lead community-based rotations for early career investigators to gain experience in community engagement. Finally, the CEDC will be responsible for providing recommendations and best practices for dissemination of information from DISCOVER research to the community across multiple levels, including: overseeing and supporting investigators holding community grand rounds, distributing newsletters to relevant community partners, and sharing health disparities research with other DC stakeholders. The CEDC will enrich not only the experiences of early career investigators focused on health disparities research, but also the health and well-being of racially minoritized DC residents who experience health disparities in cancer, stroke and maternal health.