Recorded presentation

Aida L. Giachello, PhD, Midwest Latino Health Research, Training and Policy Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Midwest Latino health Res. Ctr, 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd. #636, Chicago, IL 60608, 312-413-1952, giachello1@aol.com, Fredericka Wolman, MD, MPH, March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, and EmyLou Solomon, Office of the Medical Director, March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10605.

This presentation will provide an overview of community-based participatory action research (PCAR) and its application to the Genetics Education needs Evaluation (GENE) Project. Specifically, it will a) define what is PCAR, b) discuss the differences and similarities between mainstream/traditional academic research and participatory action research and approaches, c) describe the model and theoretical framework used in the New York Washington Heights/Inwood (WH/I) and Flint/Lansing, Michigan communities-- demonstration sites with a high percentage of racial and ethnic minorities (Hispanics/Latinos (primarily Dominican origin in WH/I) and African Americans in Michigan); d) stress the importance of building community capacity and leadership development, while mobilizing the community for action. Finally, the presentation will end with recommendations for the use of this type of approach in other similar types of Genetics Education projects in minorities and underserved communities in the U.S.

Learning Objectives:

• · Define what is participatory action research (PAR) and its usefulness in Genetics Education Needs Evaluation (GENE).
• · Describe how community-capacity, community engagement and leadership development can be integrated as part of the community participatory action research approaches.
• · Describe the experiences of Washington Heights/Inwood and Flint/Lansing around genetics education.
• · Identify community strategies for the assessment of community needs and assets and for community mobilization around genetics education.
• · Describe the Community-Capacity and Participatory Action Research Model adapted for the community demonstration projects.

Keywords: Genetics, Community Capacity

Related Web page: www.uic.edu/jaddams

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation