Angela F. Ford, MSW¹, Stephen B. Thomas, PhD¹, Valire Carr Copeland, PhD², and Jeannette South-Paul, MD³. (1) Graduate School of Public Health/Center for Minority Health, University of Pittsburgh, 125 Parran Hall, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, 412-624-3402, afford@cmh.pitt.edu, (2) School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, 2217 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, (3) Department of Family Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15231

Recent public health literature has identified the inclusion of African Americans in clinical and public health research as essential to eliminate existing racial disparities in health status. Building community based action-research partnerships represent one strategy in which to address this issue.

In the spring of 2001, the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, established a Community Research Advisory Board (CRAB). The CRAB, composed primarily of African American opinion leaders from the local community, serves in an advisory capacity for all research investigators affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. Membership includes a unique combination of University faculty and staff, individuals from health related and community settings, faith-based institutions, the private sector, and consumers. The CRAB meets monthly to: (a) provide feedback, based on diverse perspectives, to investigators about proposed or on-going research; (b) increase their own awareness of various aspects of research and its implications; (c) build both the academic and community capacity to conduct research in partnership; (d) share knowledge and transfer information into practice to improve health outcomes; and (d) create opportunities for further collaboration and partnership between investigators and the communities/individuals most impacted by racial and ethnic disparities in health. This participatory process utilized by the CRAB facilitates co-learning for community members and investigators.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a model for creating and sustaining a community research advisory board
• Articulate the guidelines for investigator reviews
• Articulate issues raised by the CRAB relative to African Americans' participation in research

Keywords: African American, Minority Research

Related Web page: www.cmh.pitt.edu

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.

Handout (.ppt format, 4987.0 kb)