Community-based Participatory Research Principles Research Articles

Community Training Institute for Health Disparities: Outcomes of a Formal Opportunity for Community Capacity Building to Increase Health Equity in Southern Puerto Rico.

Integration of the community into health research through community-engaged research has proven to be an essential strategy for reducing health inequities. It brings significant benefits by addressing community health concerns and promoting active community participation in research. The Community Training Institute for Health Disparities (CTIHD) was established to support this integration based on Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles. The main objective of this paper is to report the CTIHD program's implementation, evaluation, and outcomes from the first two cohorts. The CTIHD recruited Hispanic community members (N = 54) to be trained in health disparities research and health promotion to foster Community-Academic Partnerships (CAPs) and develop community-led health promotion interventions. Evaluation measures included satisfaction, knowledge change, retention rate, completion rate, and project proposals (research and community health promotion plans). The retention and completion rates were 83% and 78%, respectively, with forty-two (n = 42) community trainees receiving the completion certification. Both cohorts demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge (p < 0.05), and overall satisfaction exceeded 90%. Outcomes include seven (7) community-academic partnerships, leading to the co-development of research proposals, three (3) of which received funding. Additionally, twenty-two (22) community health promotion plans were developed, with seven (7) implemented, impacting 224 individuals. Findings from this study suggest that the CTIHD effectively provided capacity building, promoted the formation of CAPs, and increased community-led health promotion interventions, thereby advancing health disparity research and community initiatives.

Reflecting on partnerships established and sustained over four cycles of a federally funded cancer prevention and control research program: lessons learned for community-academic networks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) is a national network which aims to accelerate the adoption and implementation of evidence-based cancer prevention and control strategies and interventions in communities, enhance large-scale efforts to reach underserved populations and reduce their cancer-related health disparities, and develop the capacity of the dissemination and implementation work force specifically in cancer prevention and control. Our site has been a part of the CPCRN since its inception in 2002 with the exception of the 2004-2009 funding cycle. As community-based participatory research is a core value of our center, we examined the development and continued engagement of our community partners using a qualitative, inductive approach to identify emergent themes from focus group sessions with current and past investigators. Several key themes were identified from our analysis including long-term commitment to community partnerships and interconnectedness with other work, authentic approach, valuing our community as experts, and mutual benefits. With our results, we provide evidence of common community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles which have supported the sustained engagement with those racial minorities who are most vulnerable in our community. While future analysis is planned to utilize this same approach with our community partners, this work marks an important step in reflecting upon the approaches which have led to our success and how they can be applied in future collaborations to maximize impact and sustained health improvements.

THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN SUPPORTING HEALTHY AGING

Abstract Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is crucial for healthy aging and has a significant positive impact on brain health. Community-based organizations play an important role in many countries in promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly among those with the greatest social and economic need, through the provision of social, recreational, and informational programming. This presentation draws on research carried out in Vancouver, Canada, to understand the role of community-based organizations in enhancing the physical, social, and emotional well-being of older people. Using an institutional ethnographic case study approach guided by principles of community-based participatory research, the research focuses on the role of community-based organizations in enhancing older people’s well-being at multiple levels and contextualizes such organizations within a broader healthcare ecosystem. Results demonstrate the multi-faceted role community-based organizations play in supporting health and well-being among older people. The shift towards integrated healthcare models with a more holistic approach to health presents opportunities for community-based organizations to assume a more prominent role in empowering older people to self-manage their health and promote healthy lifestyles. Yet, such organizations face a multitude of challenges, particularly securing sustainable operational funding and widening their appeal to a changing demographic. The research highlights how community assets may be mobilized to better support the health and well-being of aging communities. More research is needed to understand how community-based organizations can better communicate their value and impact and enhance their capacity to respond effectively to emerging opportunities.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF COOPERATIVE EXTENSION COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH FOR LATE LIFE MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract Rural-dwelling older adults have greater mental health disparities with higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to their urban counterparts; however, reaching these communities to understand and address the specific psychological needs of rural-dwelling older adults remains a barrier for gerontologists. Due to the extensive reach of the Cooperative Extension system (Extension), with representation in every county across the U.S., Extension is primed to facilitate connections between researchers and rural communities to improve mental health outcomes for older adults. Despite the benefits of such partnerships, Extension is largely unknown and underutilized by gerontological researchers, which leaves many older adults unconnected with resources that could improve their mental health outcomes. To better understand this gap, we conducted a systematic review of gerontological studies that utilized Extension to reach and positively impact rural older adult mental health. Using the methods and results from these studies, we highlight the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) that make this gerontological research possible and beneficial for older adult mental health outcomes. We also explore the characteristics important for these collaborative relationships and underscores the role that Extension plays in improving mental health outcomes of older adults. Our review will contribute to gerontological research by outlining the advantages of CBPR conducted in partnership with the Extension system and providing guidance for researchers to make these connections that will reduce the mental health disparities between rural and urban older adults.

COMPARING HEALTH SYSTEM–BASED AND COMMUNITY-BASED DEMENTIA CARE: THE DEMENTIA CARE (D-CARE) STUDY

Abstract Despite the advent of new medications for treatment of dementia, the clinical care of those affected remains a challenge. Though several community-based and health system-based approaches have been developed to provide comprehensive care for patients living with dementia and their caregivers, the relative effectiveness of these approaches is unknown. The Dementia Care (D-CARE) Study is a pragmatic randomized trial comparing the effectiveness of three dementia care approaches at four clinical trial sites (CTS) over 18 months: 1) by nurse practitioners or physician assistants within a health care system, 2) by social workers or nurses at community-based organizations, or 3) usual care. D-CARE illustrates advantages (e.g., facilitation of recruitment with over 93% receiving active intervention) and disadvantages (e.g., CTS health systems needed to implement two interventions; because both active interventions have prior demonstrated effectiveness, the differences are likely to be smaller, requiring a larger sample size to have sufficient power) of comparative effectiveness research. The pragmatic design presented obstacles including funding for clinical positions, integrating interventions into workflows, and potential threats to fidelity; but the real-world settings will facilitate dissemination. COVID-19 introduced additional barriers to recruitment and retention. Strong commitment by study leaders, adaptability of research staff, and continuous engagement of patient and stakeholders at the CTS contributed to D-CARE’s success in enrolling 2,176 participants and high retention rates. D-CARE applied principles of community-based participatory research to continually refine materials to the study’s needs. D-CARE’s adaptations and successes demonstrate viable strategies for sustainability and scalability in real-world practices.

THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY–UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS IN GHANA: IMPLEMENTING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE DEMENTIA EDUCATION

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias have not been given much attention in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the prevalence of dementia in Ghana is not yet established, those who present cognitive impairment are often stigmatized, discriminated against, or physically harmed by community members. The mistreatment may be due to a lack of dementia knowledge and awareness in Ghana. Recognizing the critical need to increase dementia knowledge and awareness in Ghana, Alzheimer’s Ghana (Ghana), AlterDementia (US), and researchers from the University of Georgia and Emory University (US) partnered to develop and implement a culturally adapted and relevant dementia education intervention. Through a series of collaborative sessions, both organizations and researchers co-created educational materials and intervention strategies addressing dementia awareness and knowledge. Education sessions consisted of a dementia overview, brain health overview, community testimonies, local resources, question and answer session, and closing remarks. Community-based participatory research principles were used to engage public officials, faith-based organizations, television personalities, healthcare professionals, secondary school educators, and researchers in Ghana to facilitate nine dementia education sessions, spanning 15-90 minutes, to over 800 participants across four regions of Ghana. Surveys and field notes were used to collect demographic and dementia knowledge and awareness data. Preliminary findings suggest promising avenues for improving dementia knowledge and reducing stigma. This work underscores the value of community-university partnerships to culturally adapt evidence-based interventions to advance ongoing community initiatives addressing dementia.

UNDERSTANDING INCLUSIVE PHYSICAL PLACES AND VIRTUAL SPACES: THE FORTITUDE OF OLDER MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

Abstract The World Health Organization (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) agenda emphasizes collaboration among older individuals, local groups, councils, and businesses to enhance communities. This involves improvements in several social and environmental domains including transportation, outdoor spaces, volunteering, employment opportunities, and leisure and community services. IncludeAge, a UK Economic and Social Research Council funded project, addresses multifaceted aspects of age-friendly communities beyond the emphasis on social and physical environments, highlighting the importance of belonging and identity alongside cultural and life course experiences. Focusing on physical and online places and spaces, IncludeAge takes intersectional and life course perspectives to understanding the inclusion of mid-older (40+) people who are often marginalized: those with intellectual disabilities and LGBT+ individuals. Employing a transdisciplinary, innovative mixed-methods approach and guided by Community-Based Participatory Research principles, our longitudinal study uses life course interviews, GIS story mapping and social network analysis to document experiences of inclusion and exclusion in past lives and current real-time. Preliminary insights underscore the importance of the cultural and historical dynamics of experienced stigma and discrimination, the value of ‘hidden spaces and places’ and ‘experiences on the periphery’. We use the Intersectional Place Perspective (IPP) theoretical model to aid interpretation. Through co-developed story maps and individual narratives, we aim to amplify the voices of marginalized groups in designing potential solutions to exclusionary experiences and practices, fostering empowerment and social inclusion. Our research will advance understanding of AFCC and community inclusion as a human right, thereby supporting meaningful everyday lives for our focal populations.

Engaging With New Mexico's County and Tribal Health Councils: Practical Implications From a Co-created Online Resource to Enhance Academic and Community Collaboration Toward Health Initiatives.

The Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) model fosters equitable partnerships between communities and academic institutions to promote health equity. This model emphasizes shared control over all phases of the research process and recognizes the limited power and inequalities experienced by marginalized communities. At our institution, Community Engagement Liaison Specialists (CELS) build relationships with New Mexico communities, guided by CBPR principles. The CELS collaborate with county and Tribal Health Councils, addressing community mistrust toward health research and academic institutions and promoting projects of interest to both academic researchers and the community. To support these efforts, we developed a website called "Ways to Engage with New Mexico's County & Tribal Health Councils," through a rigorous collaborative process involving university researchers, CELS, and the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils. This resource provides historical context, lessons learned, and guidance for researchers who plan to engage with Health Councils. We offer implications for practice summarizing the lessons learned from the CELS work including collaboration on this website.

Assessing the context within academic health institutions toward improving equity-based, community and patient-engaged research.

The continued momentum toward equity-based, patient/community-engaged research (P/CenR) is pushing health sciences to embrace principles of community-based participatory research. Much of this progress has hinged on individual patient/community-academic partnered research projects and partnerships with minimal institutional support from their academic health institutions. We partnered with three academic health institutions and used mixed methods (i.e., institution-wide survey (n = 99); qualitative interviews with institutional leadership (n = 11); and focus group discussions (6 focus groups with patients and community members (n = 22); and researchers and research staff (n = 9)) to gain a deeper understanding of the institutional context. Five key themes emerged that were supported by quantitative data. First, the global pandemic and national events highlighting social injustices sparked a focus on health equity in academic institutions; however, (theme 2) such a focus did not always translate to support for P/CenR nor align with institutional reputation. Only 52% of academics and 79% of community partners believed that the institution is acting on the commitment to health equity (Χ2 = 6.466, p < 0.05). Third, institutional structures created power imbalances and community mistrust which were identified as key barriers to P/CenR. Fourth, participants reported that institutional resources and investments are necessary for recruitment and retention of community-engaged researchers. Finally, despite challenges, participants were motivated to transform current paradigms of research and noted that accountability, communication, and training were key facilitators. Triangulating findings from this mixed-methods study revealed critical barriers which provide important targets for interventions to improving supportive policies and practices toward equity-based P/CenR.

Exploring Transportation Challenges and Opportunities for Mobility-Vulnerable Populations Through the Social-Ecological Model.

Community mobility is a vital activity of daily living. Mobility-vulnerable populations-individuals with incomes below the federal poverty threshold, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and older adults-face transit disparities. Advanced technologies (e.g., ride-sharing) may mitigate transportation inequities, but limited evidence considers mobility-vulnerable populations. Utilizing the social-ecological model, the team examined challenges and opportunities associated with transportation availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and adaptability among two socioeconomic communities. Four focus groups were conducted using community-based participatory research principles. Community advisory boards informed focus group development and implementation. A thematic analysis was performed using the social-ecological model. Participants (N = 23) experienced transportation challenges and opportunities at all levels of the social-ecological model-individual (e.g., bus availability), relationship (e.g., peer support), community (e.g., safety), and societal (e.g., social isolation). Findings indicate the importance of looking beyond individual factors and exploring relationships, community, and societal impacts on transportation use.

Informing Vaccine Messaging and Community Outreach: Experience in Chicago with a Community-Based Participatory Approach.

In response to disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in urban environments, we ascertained whether a community-engaged evaluation could rapidly determine why unvaccinated Chicago residents were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The assessment used a mixed-methods approach, grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles. Interviews were conducted by community partners between April and May 2022 in Chicago, in-person and via phone. A purposive sample of Chicagoans (n = 456), who were: (1) adults (≥18years); (2) living in priority areas in Chicago heavily impacted by COVID-19; (3) who spoke English or Spanish; and (4) had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. A transdisciplinary academic-community team co-developed an assessment tool. Members of Chicago's Community Health Response Corps (CHRC) (N = 115) interviewed participants, using a 46-item survey in Qualtrics. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative software, including Dedoose for coding and SAS for descriptive statistics. Over half of all respondents were not concerned about getting COVID-19. Respondents voiced concerns about side effects (36%), vaccine safety (27%), and trust in governmental institutions, given historical events involving unethical research. Participants also reported other social needs (e.g., food or housing insecurity) that made COVID-19 a lower priority. The collaborative research approach highlighted issues of trust, concerns about side effects and vaccine safety, issues that have informed vaccine messaging.

Developing a mobile application for gender‐affirming voice training: A community‐engaged approach

AbstractObjectivesTo date, there has yet to be a rigorous exploration of voice and communication modification training (VCMT) among transgender and gender‐nonconforming (TGNC) individuals using digital technology. We sought to evaluate and describe the iterative process of app development using a community‐based approach.MethodsAn interprofessional team of voice health care professionals, application developers, designers, and TGNC community members was assembled to conceive the functionality, content, and design of a mobile app to support VCMT for TGNC people. Six TGNC individuals, identified primarily by word of mouth, joined the development team as a Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB provided input on app content development, design choices, and user experience, with collaboration across disciplines and integration of TGNC community members throughout app development; the applicability of CBPR principles was evaluated throughout the development process.ResultsIterative cycles of content creation and feedback produced multiple substantial changes during the app's development, including added functionality, improved inclusivity and accessibility, and design and branding enhancements. Several successful outcomes from our approach were identified, including the recruitment of dedicated CAB members and interprofessional collaboration that included community members. Challenges included integration of multiple different approaches and levels of expertise, navigating TGNC individuals' participation without exploitation, and creating high‐quality content on a limited budget.ConclusionsOur process demonstrates the value of including a CAB in the design of a digital VCMT platform, and suggests a potential for community‐based participatory research (CBPR) in laryngology and speech language pathology, where uptake of this framework has remained limited.Level of EvidenceLevel 5.

A Scoping Review of Arts-Based Interventions with Community Based Participatory Research Approaches for Addressing Mental Health Amongst Adolescents in the United States

Arts-based practices are positively associated with the prevention and management of adolescent mental health, and community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods are shown to enhance equity in mental health interventions. This study sought to understand how CBPR approaches to research are used to assess arts-based interventions for adolescent mental health in the United States. Five databases (Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and Google Scholar were searched. The included studies investigate adolescents (ages 10–19), included an arts-based practice, and occurred in the United States. Of 2,810 identified articles, 21 meet inclusion criteria and are included. Extracted components included forms of art, mental health focus, points of adolescent engagement, parental engagement, adherence to CBPR principles, and demographics. Art forms included dance/movement ( n = 2), literary arts ( n = 3), media ( n = 4), music ( n = 3), theater/performance ( n = 3), and visual arts, craft, and design ( n = 12). Five mental health categories represented the included studies—General Mental Health ( n = 9), Anxiety/Depression/Suicide ( n = 6), Social Support/Loneliness ( n = 2), Trauma/Resilience ( n = 3), Emotion Regulation ( n = 1). Studies prioritized minoritized populations and strongly adhered to the principles of CBPR. This review offers a comprehensive understanding of how diverse forms of arts participation are leveraged to address and mitigate the complexities of adolescent mental illness.

Why is ECE enrollment so complicated? An analysis of barriers and co-created solutions from the frontlines

Why is ECE enrollment so complicated? An analysis of barriers and co-created solutions from the frontlines

Effectiveness of community-based participatory research (CBPR) interventions on mental health outcomes: A systematic review

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) promotes the significant involvement of community members in research, which helps increase the effectiveness of specific interventions for community members. However, no reviews have investigated the effectiveness of CBPR interventions in mental health outcomes nor the adherence level to CBPR principles. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to (1) examine the effectiveness of CBPR interventions on mental health outcomes and (2) assess the overall adherence to CBPR principles in existing mental health research. A systematic search was conducted in five databases for studies published between January 2000 and December 2022. We included 14 studies in this review based on our eligibility criteria. We assessed the effectiveness of quality appraisal and developed a four-dimensional rating scheme (degree of community involvement in the research process; level of shared decision-making between researchers and the community; level of contribution to community capacity building; level of addressing original health problems in the community) to assess the overall adherence to CBPR principles. Although CBPR interventions impacted mental well-being outcomes, research quality varied, and most studies did not adhere to CBPR principles. Future research using the rating scheme proposed in this study is recommended.

A community action network-based intervention for improving knowledge of zoonoses among wildlife hunters and traders in Epe, Lagos, Nigeria.

The West Africa One Health project is a multi-country project designed to utilise the One Health approach and deploy the Community Action Networks (CAN), a concept rooted in the principles of community-based participatory research, to improve knowledge of high-risk communities on zoonoses. The majority of emerging zoonoses occur at the human-wildlife interface, of which wildlife hunters and traders are critical stakeholders. We assessed the effectiveness of a CAN-based intervention involving the use of a video documentary and case studies as model tools in improving the knowledge of zoonoses among wildlife hunters and traders in Epe, an established hunting community in Lagos State, Nigeria. A single-group pre-post design involving a total of 39 consenting registered wildlife stakeholders was adopted. A pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on the participant's sociodemographic characteristics, awareness level, and knowledge of zoonoses pre and post CAN-based intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics McNemar and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests at a 5% level of significance. The mean age of the participants was 46.7 ± 10.9 years. Most (76.9%) identified as male and had at least secondary education (89.7%). The number of participants who were aware that diseases could be contracted from animals and that it could be through inhalation and close contact increased significantly from 13 (33.3%), 2 (5.1%), and 9 (23.1%) pre-intervention to 37 (94.9%), 11 (28.2%), and 21 (53.8%) post-intervention, respectively. The overall median knowledge score increased significantly from 1 (Interquartile range (IQR): 0-2) pre-intervention to 3 (IQR: 2-4) post-intervention. The CAN-based intervention involving the use of a video documentary and case studies as model tools was effective in improving the knowledge of zoonoses among wildlife hunters and traders in the hunting community and may be beneficial for future practice.

Service-policy gaps in the settlement journey of Arabic-speaking immigrant newcomer and refugee older adults in Edmonton, Canada.

Immigrant newcomers and refugees (INRs) are two migrant categories that experience consistent systemic barriers to settlement and integration in Canada as older adults. This paper explores the challenges experienced by Arabic-speaking INR older adults in Edmonton, Canada, during settlement and discusses policy and service implications. A qualitative description study using community-based participatory research principles was implemented to evaluate and support digital literacy in Arabic-speaking INR older adults. We included men and women aged 55 and older who identified as immigrants or refugees and spoke Arabic. Experiences of settlement challenges were consistently identified during data collection and engagement of INR older adult participants. A thematic sub-analysis of interviews with (10 individuals and one couple) of participants' narratives was completed in 2022 and was used to identify themes related to settlement barriers for this population. Two main themes were identified: (1) Limited English skills and digital literacy gaps create service barriers for INR older adults, and (2) Gaps in services and policies as basic needs remain unmet. We describe key challenges experienced by INR older adults, such as language barriers, precarious finances, poor access to health care services and lack of transportation and employment opportunities, which hinder successful integration into the new society. This study showcases the ongoing challenges with early settlement and integration that continue despite Canada's well-developed immigration settlement landscape. INR older adults often remain invisible in policy, and understanding their experiences is a first step to addressing their needs for resources that support healthy aging in the post-migration context.

Partnering for Progress: Lessons Learned From Mental Health Assessment for Youth Living With HIV in India Through Community-Based Participatory Research

Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) face diverse mental health challenges necessitating interventions informed by their lived experiences. Failure to do so can perpetuate a self-reinforcing cycle of misaligned and ineffective support, further exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. This study directly addresses this gap by using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to empower YLHIV in India to address their mental health challenges. YLHIV actively participated in adapting and implementing a culturally responsive mental health screening program. The study, incorporating CBPR principles at every step aimed to identify practical methods for integrating YLHIV voices in research, and showcase the value of YLHIV participation in co-creating and implementing impactful interventions. Six youth investigators aged 18-24, born with HIV and residing in southern Indian states underwent certification in human subjects’ protection and training in mental health screening and survey administration techniques. They actively shaped the research process by culturally adapting standardized mental health screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7) through iterative discussions with experts, drawing on their own perspectives. Following field assessments of the mental health screening tools among their peers, they documented their reflections in surveys and written essays. Youth investigators’ involvement improved the research process by optimizing tools, combating stigma, and facilitating reliable data collection. Beyond data collection, the youth investigators’ participation significantly boosted their own knowledge, self-confidence, and research skills. This study serves as an illustrative model of CBPR in mental health research among YLHIV, highlighting the importance of interactive training, continuous feedback mechanisms, and respectful youth engagement in fostering impactful research that can inform tailored sustainable interventions.

Building a community-academic partnership to expand services for childhood cancer survivors in a rural, low-income region in California.

360 Background: Community-engaged research is an effective approach to address health disparities that is well-established in the public health domain and has not been widely applied in childhood cancer survivorship. We present our multi-year experience building a community-academic partnership and community-engaged childhood cancer survivorship research portfolio. Methods: We have developed a partnership between Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, a nonprofit community-based organization (CBO) and an academic pediatric cancer survivorship team, with the goal of improving health outcomes for childhood cancer survivors and their families in the Salinas Valley, a rural, low-income region in California with majority Hispanic/Latino/a/e residents. Our partnership process is guided by principles of community-based participatory research, prioritizing trust and involving community members as equal partners in all phases of research. Results: In year 1 (2021-2022), we held successive meetings which identified common goals and shared values, established the collaboration, and sought funding to advance our goals. In year 2 (2022-2023), with internal grant funding, we conducted a qualitative needs assessment interviewing childhood cancer survivors, parents, and CBO staff. Teamwork enriched the data analysis and allowed us to identify problems in communication as an area of need, which directly informed subsequent grant proposals. In year 3 (2023-2024), with external funding we began a multi-year study to understand and improve survivorship-related communication among Hispanic/Latino/a/e young adult childhood cancer survivors, their parents, and clinicians. Current and future projects include collaborative design and pilot testing of a novel communication intervention, formation of a dedicated community advisory board, and a CBO-driven program evaluation. Findings from our community-engaged studies have prompted new sets of research questions and illustrate opportunities for institutional change in the clinic setting. In parallel, the CBO has leveraged research findings in real-time to identify barriers to seeking support among childhood cancer survivors and families, and adapted and improved programming for families in response. Through our joint research portfolio, we have incorporated training and mentorship for staff at the CBO and medical trainees at the academic center. Conclusions: A community-academic partnership in a rural, low-income region has the potential to reduce health disparities and improve childhood cancer survivors’ health outcomes through collaborative program development and community-engaged research. Fueled by mutual investment and strong momentum, our partnership facilitates an interconnected cycle of research and practice change that is grounded in community needs.

The Dynamic Adaptation of the Journey of Hope: A School-Based Intervention to Support Pandemic and Disaster-Affected Children and Youth.

The Journey of Hope (JoH) is an evidence-based behavioral health prevention intervention model designed for disaster-affected children and youth. While the in-person JoH model has been extensively delivered and studied, the virtual implementation of this intervention, specifically tailored for the unique needs of children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been previously explored. In this context, authors of this article adapted the JoH to a virtual delivery model, aiming to provide access to behavioral health preventive services for children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person services were not feasible. This adaptation, utilizing the dynamic adaptation process (DAP) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles, was carefully designed to meet pandemic-related challenges while maintaining the core components of the original intervention. The primary objectives of this article are twofold: (1) to provide an overview of the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the JoH-C19, including the framework that guided the adaptation, and (2) to describe the virtually adapted curriculum and initial pilot of the JoH-C19. This adaptation represents a crucial step in ensuring the accessibility of virtual behavioral health interventions for young populations facing various collective traumas and challenges in a rapidly evolving world.