Community Ambassadors Research Articles

VAXXED & BOOSTED: Increasing COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in West Greenville, NC, USA

Pitt County is ranked 48th out of the 100 counties in North Carolina for COVID-19 vaccination rates, with only 53.8% of the population fully vaccinated. West Greenville, located in Pitt County, is historically of lower economic status, leading to poorer social determinants of health. The goal of the VAXXED & BOOSTED campaign was to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in West Greenville by combating vaccine hesitancy and easing barriers to vaccination. From June through August of 2022, community ambassadors spoke to members of the community about their vaccine hesitancies and provided them with verified resources about the vaccine. Five vaccination events were hosted at the Community Crossroads Center and the JOY Soup Kitchen throughout July 2022. At each vaccination event, a survey was implemented to determine the effectiveness of the program. Through VAXXED & BOOSTED, 52 people received COVID-19 vaccines: 13 for the first dose, 4 for the second, and 35 for boosters. Of 29 surveyed, 82.8% found community ambassadors helpful, and 51.7% interacted with them before the event. The event influenced 75.9% to get vaccinated, 82.8% learned something new, and 93.1% plan to encourage others to get vaccinated. Word of mouth likely played a significant role in event promotion, as only 51.7% interacted with ambassadors beforehand. The use of community ambassadors and educational events was successful in influencing people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in West Greenville.

Building and Sustaining Aging in Place Through the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) Ambassadors Program.

Older adults overwhelmingly want to continue to age in place but would benefit from a community of support to do so. The Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) Ambassadors program - an initiative from University Health Network (UHN) OpenLab - uses a participatory approach to create sustainable, resident-led, aging-in-place groups in NORC buildings. NORC, which stands for Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, is a geographic designation used to describe an area, such as a building or a neighbourhood that has become home to a large number of older adults. Having a high concentration of older adults, NORCs are ideal settings for mobilizing communities and developing supportive networks. This article describes the creation and evaluation of the NORC Ambassadors program, which led to its inclusion as a foundational element of the model being implemented through the newly founded NORC Innovation Centre at the UHN.

Supplemental Material for Strengthening Community Capacity to Address Trauma Through a Community Ambassador Network

Supplemental Material for Strengthening Community Capacity to Address Trauma Through a Community Ambassador Network

Strategies for Recruiting Older Black Men into Aging and Alzheimer's Research

Abstract: Background: Despite their high risks for Alzheimer's disease, older Black men are minimally represented in Alzheimer's research and clinical trials. The absence of older Black men in Alzheimer's research limits our ability to characterize the changes associated with cognitive impairments in older Black men—a key health disparity concern. Methods: Drawing on lessons we learned from years of community-based participatory research in Newark, NJ, we highlight recruitment strategies developed alongside community partners to guide our enrollment and retention efforts for Black men. Results: We identified seven recruitment strategies: provide indirect health education through social programming, target older men through the younger men in their lives, go beyond Black churches, use older Black men as trained community ambassadors, enlist the women in Black men's lives, frame research participation as a legacy to leave their sons, and use past and current Black men participants as role models. Conclusions: These recruitment strategies help us address many barriers to recruiting older Black men. They can be easily implemented by researchers conducting aging and brain health research or interested in working with older Black men and under-represented populations.

Improving adaptation to wildfire smoke and extreme heat in frontline communities: evidence from a community-engaged pilot study in the San Francisco Bay Area

Exposure to climate hazards is increasing, and the experiences of frontline communities warrant meaningful and urgent attention towards how to mitigate, manage, and adapt to hazards. We report results from a community-engaged pilot (November 2021–June 2022) of N = 30 participants in four frontline communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. The study region is an area where low-income, non-English-speaking residents are inequitably exposed and vulnerable to wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and other climate hazards. Building from a yearslong partnership of researchers, community organizations, and community members, we report the feasibility of a project piloting (1) instruments to monitor indoor air quality, temperature, and participant sleep health, and (2) interventions to improve indoor air quality and support protective behaviors. Data collection included experience-based survey data (via in-person administered surveys and a smartphone application) and interviews about heat and air quality, as well as data from an air monitoring protocol. Results cover the prevalence of hazard exposure and protective actions among participants. We discuss throughout methods for conducting and evaluating a community-engaged pilot, particularly by using a community ambassador program. Implications include the feasibility of community-engaged research projects, including discussion of resources required to accomplish this work.

Critical Dynamics in Black and Latino Parents’ Perceptions of Childhood COVID-19 Vaccination: How the “Middle” Moves

National and state data show low adoption of childhood COVID-19 vaccinations, despite emergency use authorizations and availability. We conducted 24 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Black and Latino parents in New York City (15 in English, 9 in Spanish), who were undecided or somewhat likely to vaccinate their 5 to 11-year-old children in early 2022. The interviews explored the evolution of parental perceptions on childhood COVID-19 vaccines, and were analyzed using a matrix-driven rapid approach to thematic analysis. We present our findings as themes oriented around trust at three levels of the social ecological model. In summary, we found that structural positionality and historical traumas of participants seeded mistrust in institutions and government. This led to parental reliance on personal observations, conversations, and norms within social groups for vaccine decision-making. Our findings also describe key features of trust-building, supportive conversations that shaped the thinking of undecided parents. This study demonstrates how relational trust becomes a key factor in parental vaccine decision-making, and suggests the potential power of community ambassador models of vaccination promotion for increasing success and rebuilding trust with members of the “movable middle.”

Abstract 4188: Multifaceted approach to engaging basic cancer scientists in community-based research

Abstract Background: The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Arizona, serving a 5-county catchment area that is approximately 40% Hispanic/Latinx. To ensure that UACC is conducting culturally relevant and meaningful research that is aligned with community priorities, we established the Research Outreach for Southern Arizona (ROSA) program. The ROSA program aims to facilitate bidirectional learning opportunities between scientists and the community, focusing on cancer biology and basic science. Multiple approaches were taken to engage cancer biology researchers with the communities in the catchment area with an ultimate aim of developing Basic science Community based participatory research projects. Method: Through a partnership between the UACC’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement and the Cancer Biology Program, the ROSA program employed multiple strategies to educate and engage basic scientists on best practices to effectively engage community members, which included: collaborative working groups, meet the scientist learning opportunities, student and community ambassadors, and creation of the ROSA Café Series (community conversations with UACC basic scientist). These strategies facilitated avenues for scientists to educate, learn from, and engage with the community. Results: The working group consisted of UACC basic scientists and community members that helped develop a ROSA survey that will be used to gain community input and learn more about community research priorities, knowledge base and culturally appropriate research. Additionally, ROSA community and student ambassadors were enrolled into a curriculum where they learned fundamentals of cancer biology via conversations with the basic scientists and provided opportunities for scientists to practice using lay language to express scientific ideas. Bidirectional learning opportunities were also presented within the structure of the ROSA Café’s with the ultimate goal of having community members learn directly from the researchers about current and potential projects. These strategies have ultimately led to interactions between the basic science and lay community that serve as a basis for future basic science projects that are community inspired and have potential for high community input and impact. Discussion: Helping basic scientists integrate their science more fully into communities has the potential for advancing science and promoting health equity in minoritized communities. This partnership is predicated on preparing basic scientists to interact comfortably and effectively with community members, necessitating common language and fuller understanding of community ways of knowing. The strategies employed and explicated here provide a model for cancer centers to develop culturally and community relevant basic science programs. Citation Format: Namoonga M. Mantina, Juan Contreras, Monica Yellowhair, Cynthia Miranti, Jennifer Hatcher. Multifaceted approach to engaging basic cancer scientists in community-based research. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4188.

Development and Assessment of Awareness Module on ‘Antimicrobial Resistance and its Prevention’ for School Students in Punjab, India

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the pressing public health issues. Sharing information on AMR with school students will educate and inspire them to act as community ambassadors. The present study was carried out in the form of capacity-building workshops among school children of the Ludhiana district of Punjab, India. Three workshops were organized in three different higher secondary schools for 11th and 12th standard students (medical stream). Each workshop session included an interactive teaching module on basic microbiology, AMR, factors involved in AMR emergence, ‘One Health’ approach to address AMR, and how we can contribute to the community. The learning outcomes were evaluated based on pre and postworkshop assessment questionnaires. A total of 138 students participated in the workshops with an average duration of around 3.5 hours. Among all the students, 68.84% were not aware of the meaning of ‘antibiotic resistance’ and 78.26% believed that antibiotics can cure all coughs and colds. Furthermore, 82.61% of students never heard the term ‘superbugs’ and 71.74% were not able to identify the factors for AMR emergence. The success of teaching workshops was assessed by significant improvement in the correct responses during the post-workshop quiz, where the median post-workshop score (i.e., 14/15) was significantly improved as compared to the pre-workshop score (i.e., 08/15). We propose that the concepts of AMR must be included in school curricula so that young students can be ‘superheroes’ in bringing about desired changes in the community.

SUPPORTING DIVERSE FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Abstract The RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council, created under the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act (2018) has been tasked to support the Secretary of Health and Human Services in developing a national family caregiving strategy. This presentation reports on research commissioned to support the activities of the Council, which aimed to engage a broad range of stakeholders in identifying concrete strategies to carry out the Goals identified as critical to supporting family caregivers. One priority was to engage with organizations representing the diversity of family caregivers, including groups working with Blacks, Indigenous people, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other people of color, along with groups such as faith organizations that work with under-resourced communities. Respondents had much to say regarding mechanisms for ensuring access to services and supports among diverse family caregivers, most notably identifying support for “community ambassadors” as key, as well as targeted awareness campaigns.

COVID-19 Vaccine Equity: Codesigning Public Health Interventions with Community Partners.

COVID-19 Vaccine Equity: Codesigning Public Health Interventions with Community Partners.

Mitigating inequalities at a large COVID-19 vaccination centre

The COVID-19 vaccination service is a key component in the UK approach to reducing disease morbidity and mortality. Groups within the population at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 overlap with groups that are less likely to take up the offer of vaccination. This article outlines some learning from approaches within a large vaccination centre in the UK to reduce inequalities. Continuous quality improvement processes were used to operationalise the mitigations to inequalities with vaccination uptake that were identified by a systematic equality impact assessment framework and continuous service feedback. Quality improvement processes and community engagement enabled tailored mitigations to vaccination uptake. Engagement with community ambassadors strengthened community relationships and the co-creation of bespoke sessions encouraged vaccination uptake within specific groups. Recommendations for strengthening approaches to inequality reduction include having a systematic framework for assessment and mitigation of inequalities, embedding quality improvement, identifying resources, and taking a collaborative and co-design approach to services with underserved groups.

Co-Development of a Web Application (COVID-19 Social Site) for Long-Term Care Workers ("Something for Us"): User-Centered Design and Participatory Research Study.

BackgroundImproving confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters among long-term care workers (LTCWs) is a crucial public health goal, given their role in the care of elderly people and people at risk. While difficult to reach with workplace communication interventions, most LTCWs regularly use social media and smartphones. Various social media interventions have improved attitudes and uptake for other vaccines and hold promise for the LTCW population.ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a curated social web application (interactive website) to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence (a 3-arm randomized trial is underway).MethodsFollowing user-centric design and participatory research approaches, we undertook the following 3 steps: (1) content identification, (2) platform development, and (3) community building. A LTCW and stakeholder advisory group provided iterative input. For content identification (step 1), we identified topics of concern about COVID-19 vaccines via desktop research (published literature, public opinion polls, and social media monitoring), refined by interviewing and polling LTCWs. We also conducted a national online panel survey. We curated and fact-checked posts from popular social media platforms that addressed the identified concerns. During platform development (step 2), we solicited preferences for design and functionality via interviews and user experience testing with LTCWs. We also identified best practices for online community building (step 3).ResultsIn the interviews (n=9), we identified 3 themes: (1) LTCWs are proud of their work but feel undervalued; (2) LTCWs have varying levels of trust in COVID-19–related information; and (3) LTCWs would welcome a curated COVID-19 resource that is easy to understand and use-"something for us". Through desktop research, LTCW interviews, and our national online panel survey (n=592) we found that participants are interested in information about COVID-19 in general, vaccine benefits, vaccine risks, and vaccine development. Content identification resulted in 434 posts addressing these topic areas, with 209 uploaded to the final web application. Our LTCW poll (n=8) revealed preferences for personal stories and video content. The platform we developed is an accessible WordPress-based social media web application, refined through formal (n=3) and informal user experience testing. Users can sort posts by topic or subtopic and react to or comment on posts. To build an online community, we recruited 3 LTCW “community ambassadors” and instructed them to encourage discussion, acknowledge concerns, and offer factual information on COVID-19 vaccines. We also set “community standards” for the web application.ConclusionsAn iterative, user-centric, participatory approach led to the launch of an accessible social media web application with curated content for COVID-19 vaccines targeting LTCWs in the United States. Through our trial, we will determine if this approach successfully improves vaccine confidence. If so, a similar social media resource could be used to develop curated social media interventions in other populations and with other public health goals.

Talking about health: Community ambassadors as a health promotion strategy to increase breast and bowel cancer screening in regional Australia.

In Australia, cancer is the leading contributor to disease burden, with breast and bowel cancer among the most commonly diagnosed cancers. Despite the presence of community-wide health promotion activities and screening programs, people living in regional and rural locations experience a number of factors that reduce breast and bowel cancer survival outcomes. This study investigates the ways that high-risk community members in a regional area of Australia interact with health messaging about breast and bowel cancer screening. A qualitative research method was used to conduct 31 in-depth one-on-one interviews with community members, leaders and essential service providers. A thematic approach was used to analyse data. Findings provided insight to the ways that health is spoken about within the community, what prompts discussion of health, trustworthy sources of health information and the significance of peer-to-peer communication. Existing community communication lines can be used to assist in delivering public health messages among high-risk and vulnerable population groups. Utilising community ambassadors is identified as a health promotion method for hard-to-reach populations. SO WHAT?: Conversations about health and screening amongst community members, and led by community members, play a key role in shaping engagement with cancer screening programs and represent an important site for health promotion activities. These findings have implications for future public health initiatives amongst high-risk groups in regional locations.

Abstract 5967: ROSA: An ambassador program facilitating bidirectional partnerships between communities and basic scientists

Abstract Background: Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) is integral in NCI-designated Cancer Centers. COEs work with community stakeholders identifying community needs, communicating research, and catalyzing significant activities to Cancer Center’s catchment areas. To facilitate this, the University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) Office of COE established the Research Outreach for Southern Arizona (ROSA) program, supporting bidirectional partnerships between basic scientists and underrepresented communities in catchment areas. Objective: To describe a community and student ambassador program developed as ROSA, bridging gaps between basic science programs and community needs in UACC catchment areas. Methods: The UACC catchment areas include five southern Arizona counties where 40% of residents are Hispanic, compared to 18.3% in the US. Moreover, ambassadors were bilingual/bicultural Hispanic undergraduate students (n=4) and Hispanic community members (n=4). The ambassador program held weekly cancer educational discussions, research methods, monthly Meet the Scientist events, and presentations on experiences. Evaluations for ROSA were completed by all affiliates. Results: Overall, ROSA ambassadors reported increased knowledge of research and increased confidence sharing cancer information. Facilitators of ROSA community members included a bilingual/bicultural team, outreach collaborations, and participant compensation. Barriers included payments for undocumented members, lack of Spanish-speaking scientists, and reduced in-person activities. As a result of ROSA partnerships, scientists, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders is developing Scientific Cafes where scientists present research proposals for community feedback. The workgroup will select a community-driven project to implement in the future. Discussion: Based on positive ambassador evaluations and working group collaborations, ROSA is successful in growing authentic partnerships between scientists and communities. Recently, a community-based survey was developed by members to examine perceptions of cancer and willingness of clinical research participation. This survey will inform how basic scientists align research within community needs. ROSA will continue to be valuable in providing bidirectional engagement from basic scientists and community members in cancer research. Citation Format: Gabriela Ruiz, MEd., Amanda Lee. ROSA: An ambassador program facilitating bidirectional partnerships between communities and basic scientists [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5967.

Clinical trials-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Black and Latina women: A randomized controlled trial of the Women United: Clinical Trials and the Fight Against Breast Cancer Program.

Black and Latino adult cancer patients are underrepresented in cancer clinical trials, which limits generalizability of findings and amplifies disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Community-level education programs designed to address barriers to participation could improve representation in cancer clinical trials. Through a community-campus partner framework, this study evaluated the Women United: Clinical Trials and the Fight Against Breast Cancer Program in Spanish and English. Participants were 422 women (141 Black, 140 Latina Spanish preference, 141 Latina English preference) who were randomized to view either the intervention (n = 215) or a control (n = 207) program. Assessments of clinical trials knowledge and barriers to clinical trials participation were taken before and after viewing. Results suggested that clinical trials knowledge increased and perceived barriers to participation decreased for those who viewed the educational program. More specifically, those in the intervention condition perceived fewer barriers related to personal benefits, mistrust, and familiarity of clinical trials. As expected, there were no differences in perceived barriers related to community support for either condition. Participants in both conditions were equally likely to join a subsequent study or a clinical trials community ambassador program. There were no differences in any of the outcomes across ethnicity or language, suggesting the program works equivalently across groups. This program is easy to administer and can be recommended for use among Black and Latina women to address factors related to clinical trials participation.

Community voices for health: developing methods of engagement in Somali immigrant communities in the era of COVID-19.

Context: The Somali community in Minnesota has suffered a disproportionate impact of COVID-19. Engaging community members in COVID-19 patient centered outcome related research will be needed to find effective ways to address these disparities. However, COVID-19 disrupted usual methods of community engagement and research is needed to identify how to continue effective engagement. Objective: The Community Voices for Health study explored methods of community engagement and Somali patient and community member priorities for ongoing COVID-19 patient centered research. Study Design: We conducted a survey to engage community members for input on 1) preferred methods of community engagement to ensure broad reach in the community, 2) views on the priorities for COVID-19 related PCOR/CER topics, and 3) views on capacity building needed to support participation in patient centered research projects. Setting or Dataset: 40 Community Ambassadors were recruited to conduct a community-based survey. Population studied: 940 Somali adult patients and community members responded to the survey across the State of Minnesota. 55% identified as female. 77% of participants were born abroad. A range of ages, education levels and household size were represented Results: Survey participants were asked if they had been asked for their input on COVID-19 by any organization or institution and 23% (n=194) indicated they had been asked for their views and 77% (n=653) said they had not. The top three preferred methods of engagement were to participate in engagement by phone (n=533), text message (n=367) and socially distanced in person (n=227). Survey participants were provided with a list of 14 different topics relating to COVID-19, which were identified in collaboration with a Community Advisory Group. The top three topics considered a priority for future research in relation to COVID-19 were the care provided to Somali patients with COVID-19, ways to encourage prevention of COVID-19 and experiences of racism in the health system in seeking help for COVID-19 Conclusions: The Somali community in Minnesota is very engaged and keen to participate in community engagement when it is presented in a culturally relevant, trusted way. The survey was able to use methods that supported a reach across the state of Minnesota and is one of the most comprehensive engagement efforts conducted with the Somali community in Minnesota on any topic.

Abstract PO-034: Is clinical trials the answer to cancer: Preliminary results from City of Hope Multi-ethnic Community Engagement Program

Abstract Background: The biomedical community is struggling to develop viable strategies to increase ethnic minority enrollment in studies – a result of both historical and current medical injustices in communities of color. Therefore, we aimed to reach multiethnic community health leaders to determine barriers and facilitators of research participation by providing an educational program that focuses on the importance of ethnic minority participation in research. Methods: We conducted a stakeholder evaluation study as part of a community research engagement education program. An online survey was administered to community ambassadors (N=88) representing multiethnic health organizations from across Southern CA as well as an On-Demand “Community Research Navigator (CRN)” education program; that brought awareness of the importance of clinical trials. Participants were identified and provided the survey link by the leadership of our partners. Participants were asked to rank barriers and facilitators of research participation of their communities from least to greatest and complete the educational component. Results: Respondents were Korean-American (35%), African-American/Black (33%), Filipino-American (18%), and Latino (14%). Respondents were mostly female (88.10%) and 45-55 years old (33.33%). Participants ranked fear of biomedical research, lack of provider invitation; lack of diversity in the researchers doing the research, language, cost/coverage barriers as the top 5 barriers. The top 5 methods endorsed by participants to increase minority research participation were increase knowledge and awareness for patient and family; provide coverage/compensation; increase diversity among researchers, provider and broad media, referrals, and ensure practical facilitators. We found CRN training results showing increases in 28% of respondents feeling prepared to help their community overcome barriers to accessing medical research, 29% feeling prepared to help their community with trust and willingness to participate in medical research; and 26% feeling prepared to navigate their community into trial studies. Conclusions: Findings suggest that barriers to research participation are influenced by multiple factors including structural (health system, lack of minority scientists), societal determinants (discrimination, cost), and social (interpersonal, familial, cultural) and emotional (fear) factors. Therefore, strategies to increase minority participation in biomedical studies must attend to barrier domains. Our community Ambassadors emphasized, that the social component refers to the significant systemic barriers especially the intersection of cost and racism in the medical sector rooted in societal determinants including medical/scientific discrimination. These findings provide a broader contextual conceptualization of barriers to inform novel strategies including CRN to increase community leaders preparedness for greater diversity engagement and participation in biomedical studies as an achievable answer to cancer disparities and cancer, overall. Citation Format: Kimlin Ashing, Marisela Garcia, Sophia Yeung, Alejandro Fernandez. Is clinical trials the answer to cancer: Preliminary results from City of Hope Multi-ethnic Community Engagement Program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-034.

25012 Expanding Community Knowledge and Relationships for Congregation-Neighbor Health Connections and Advocacy in Indianapolis through a #HealthyMe Learning Community

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Congregations’ support for social, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness is foundational to human health and their community knowledge and presence can improve resilience and health in socially vulnerable neighborhoods. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The Indiana CTSI Monon Collaborative is listening and understanding the most pressing health issues in the community and are working together to design and deliver community health solutions. We worked with our community ambassador to launch a health and wellness learning community for ten congregations seeking to build a health-connector network. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Study team used qualitative (interviews, focus groups, listening sessions, learning management system, participatory-design research) and quantitative (surveys) data collection methods in the development and ongoing implementation of the learning community. Study Population: Based on initial assessment of health and social vulnerability data within the Marion County neighborhoods in Indianapolis, community ambassador engaged congregations in more vulnerable neighborhoods to seek participation in learning community. Ten congregations signed a covenant of participation; learning community includes 10 clergy and 8 health advocates. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Since the inception of the Learning Community in May 2020, we have developed a better understanding of the assets and barriers of LC participants around health and well-being. Through ongoing virtual gatherings (facilitated by community ambassador Good to the Soul), sharing of resources through our online modules on Canvas (LMS), and synthesis of data captured throughout our time together, LC participants have developed SMART goals which will inform priority setting for congregations to assist them in identifying the resources and connections necessary to drive forward solutions together as they seek out funding opportunities to support health improvement. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The learning community has provided a space and structure for congregations to align around a shared goal focused on health and wellness. Through regular gatherings we were able to connect people, organizations, and systems who were all eager to learn and work across boundaries leading to greater resilience in vulnerable communities.

Perspectives on expertise in teaching about transgender healthcare: A focus group study with health professional programme teaching staff and transgender community members

Background It is well established that transgender people experience considerable health inequities, which are sustained in part by limited teaching about transgender healthcare for trainee health professionals. Aims The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of both teaching staff from health professional education programmes and transgender community members on the best ways to teach about transgender healthcare, with a focus on ways of: 1) overcoming barriers to this teaching; and 2) involving community members in this teaching. Methods A research advisory committee was convened to guide the project and included transgender community members, teaching staff from health professional programmes, and trainee health professionals in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Three preliminary focus groups were held with 10 transgender community members. These community members were then invited to act as transgender community ‘ambassadors’ in focus groups with teaching staff based on suggestions from the advisory committee. Six focus groups were conducted with 22 teaching staff from a range of health professional education programmes along with at least two transgender community ambassadors. Results Teaching staff positioned themselves as lacking the expertise to teach about transgender healthcare but also as expert teachers when applying methods such as small group teaching. Transgender participants also positioned themselves as having expertise arising primarily from their own experiences and acknowledged that effective teaching about transgender healthcare would need to cover a diversity of transgender identities and healthcare outside their own experiences. Teaching staff and transgender community members were keen to pool expertise and thus overcome the shared sense of lacking the expertise to teach about transgender healthcare. Discussion These findings provide insights into the current barriers to teaching about transgender healthcare and provide future directions for staff development on teaching about transgender healthcare and ways of safely involving transgender community members in teaching.

Abstract A035: Let's talk research: Community ambassadors engaging African Americans

Abstract The role of research has been instrumental in extending cancer survivorship and improving overall cancer care. Despite these advances, African Americans continue to suffer disproportionately from cancer. Research shows that the majority of people with cancer are unaware that clinical trials are an option; given the opportunity, most stated that they would enroll. Fox Chase Cancer Center is committed to improving health care outcomes for the communities it serves by expanding education and outreach efforts focused on cancer prevention, screening, early detection, treatment, and survivorship. Using a community-based intervention, we designed a Community Ambassador Training (CAT) program to develop a cohort of lay community members to engage primarily African American communities in conversations regarding the importance of research participation. We also evaluated the efficacy of the CAT in increasing participants' knowledge regarding clinical trials and biospecimen research and their ability to accurately, disseminate this knowledge. Working through community partners and building on prior research efforts, Community Health Educators (CHE) funded by NCI's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities trained three cohorts of African Americans to become community ambassadors. Thirty-five individuals participated and 19 completed the full training. The seven-week program included didactic teaching that addressed the role of research, the research process, past abuses, and existing laws and regulations. The program also included interactive exercises that empowered participants to feel comfortable sharing information with other community members. Results from the study show that following completion of the program, there was a notable increase in participants' knowledge and comfort with discussing cancer research with others. During our session, we will share our approach, methods, activities, lessons learned, challenges, and next steps. Citation Format: Armenta Washington, Evelyn T. Gonzalez, Rosa Ortiz. Let's talk research: Community ambassadors engaging African Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A035.