On May 18th, the Community Engagement program, in partnership with the S.TA.R. Initiative (Strategically Targeting Appropriate Researchers) hosted a half-day training on how expanded research engagement with African American communities can lead to improved health outcomes. 

Over the course of the Lunch and Learn, we facilitated a candid discussion about research, health equity, health promotion, and historical injustices in the medical field. The discussion provided a platform for our program to launch our newly adapted Research 101 workshop. The workshop is designed to facilitate a thorough and meaningful discussion about what research is, why it’s important for there to be diversity in research, and how to effectively advocate for yourself if you’re considering enrolling in a research study. This adapted version was informed by Black community members living in Los Angeles and amended to reflect the historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in healthcare and research.

If interested in learning more about this project, please contact Miles McNeeley at miles.mcneeley@med.usc.edu.