Community Engagement Core

Blackfeet Community College, Browning MT

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract: Culture and Community Engagement Core The mission of the Blackfeet Community College Center for Community Medicine (BFCC-CCM) is to develop a research center focused on measurable health outcomes and to perform research that will improve the health of the Blackfeet Nation. The Community Engagement Core (CEC) will contribute to the accomplishment of this mission by maintaining good relationships between the BFCC-CCM and the Blackfeet community and providing BFCC-CCM researchers expertise in community engagement research (CER) and in the development of evidence-based interventions and treatments. This service is critical given that many of the BFCC-CCM potential investigators will be inexperienced in both community engaged research and the development of interventions. Thus, the CEC will play a critical role in accomplishing the goals of BFCC-CCM, its members serving as significant mentors to BFCC-CCM investigators. The CCEC will work directly with investigators throughout the duration of their projects to ensure their research design is consistent with good CER principles and that results generated will inform interventions and, eventually, implementation of these interventions. Importantly, the CEC will work with center investigators to disseminate their research findings to both the Blackfeet and scientific communities. To address the goals of the CEC, we will accomplish the following aims: 1. Develop and maintain strong relationships between the Blackfeet community and the BFCC-CCM. BFCC is supported by the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and will conduct research with our community members. Therefore, it is imperative that the BFCC-CCM maintain good relationships across our community. 2. Provide BFCC-CCM investigators with expertise in developing and implementing community engagement research methodology. All BFCC-CCM investigators will be trained in community engaged research practices and in the development of evidence-based interventions and treatments. CEC staff will work directly with the investigators throughout the duration of their projects to ensure that the approaches required by the BFCC-CCM are maintained. 3. Provide BFCC-CCM investigators with expertise in developing and implementing evidence-based interventions and treatments. The CEC will work with the Pilot Research Project Program (PRPP) investigators in all stages of their research to ensure the development and implementation of these interventions.