Rosalind J. Wright, MD, MPH¹, Alba Cruz, PhD, MPH², Jodie Casagrande, MSW, MPH¹, Toni K. Williams², Rainelle White², Caroline Figueroa², Jason D. Copeland², and Michelle Wright². (1) Channing Laboratory, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Landmark Center, 3 East 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02115, 617-525-0867, rosalind.wright@channing.harvard.edu, (2) The Family Van Program, Harvard Medical School, 1542 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA 02120

The prevalence of Asthma in the United States has become a staggering public health concern, especially among urban and minority communities who are disproportionately affected. In some Boston neighborhoods asthma rates are among the highest in the country, particularly among children. These neighborhoods also unfortunately claim the highest asthma hospitalization rates for the city. Numerous studies indicate that environmental factors as well as psychosocial stress can trigger asthmatic episodes and also aggravate the condition. Research also suggests that a woman’s health and stress during pregnancy, among other factors, may play a role in determining whether or not a child develops asthma. The Brigham and Women’s Hospital Channing Laboratory in collaboration with The Family Van Program of Harvard Medical School, a community-based mobile health services model of care with over a decade of experience, is conducting innovative research aimed at better understanding some of the environmental and biological factors that contribute to asthma among Boston’s most hard-to-reach populations. This presentation will describe how the research effectively utilizes the Family Van to recruit participants who otherwise would not engage in research. The study goal to involve community participation beyond research to ultimately influence change will be discussed. The educational components that offer crucial information relating to asthma and asthma management for community residents will be highlighted. Results from preliminary data analysis demonstrating the success of this community based research collaborative effort in targeting individuals to contribute to this comprehensive study examining the multiple factors leading to asthma will be provided.

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