Community Outreach Initiatives Research Articles

Conservation education initiatives for elementary school students at La Suerte Biological Research Station, Costa Rica

Abstract Maderas Rainforest Conservancy (MRC) is a conservation non-profit organization that protects forests, offers primate field schools, and leads community outreach initiatives at sites in Central America, including La Suerte Biological Research Station (LSBRS) in Costa Rica. In 2018, MRC started Aula Verde, a conservation education initiative for elementary school students aged 5-12 at LSBRS. Groups of children from elementary schools and communities located within 50 km have visited LSBRS from 2018-2023 to participate in the 1.5-2 hour Aula Verde workshop, which consists of (1) an interactive lecture on conservation, (2) a guided forest walk, and (3) a snack, gift bag, and tree seedling for each participant. Workshops are funded by international donations to MRC and cost US $8-16 per student. Aula Verde has been successful, with multiple schools and communities making repeat visits, students’ families beginning to recycle their garbage and joining a WhatsApp group about conservation education that MRC staff initiated and lead, and teachers reporting improved learning outcomes for students who participate in the workshops. The success of Aula Verde is largely due to the ecological expertise and strong community ties of LSBRS staff. While the COVID-19 pandemic decreased Aula Verde offerings from 2020-2023, we expect workshops to resume at full capacity in 2024. In the future, MRC hopes to expand Aula Verde’s outreach to all children aged 5-12 living within 50 km of LSBRS.

Lifestyle Behaviors of Childhood and Adolescence: Contributing Factors, Health Consequences, and Potential Interventions

In this narrative review, we summarized evidence from peer-reviewed articles, published before February 2024, that investigated lifestyle behaviors among children (≤12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years) representing different geographic descents. These behaviors included dietary patterns, screen time, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, oral hygiene, unsafe sex, and sleep duration and quality. We documented the significant impacts of parental, school, and sociodemographic factors on the adoption of numerous lifestyle behaviors in this age category. Several health consequences could be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors during childhood and adolescence. For example, poor dietary habits can lead to a higher risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity contributes to the development of musculoskeletal and psychological disorders. Excessive screen time is associated with visual acuity problems, poor sleep, and psychological and behavioral problems. Tobacco use poses a significant risk for severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Risky sexual behaviors are related to sexually transmitted infections and exposure to violence. Short sleep duration is associated with a lack of physical fitness and poor cognitive function. However, potential interventions, such as school-based health programs, community outreach initiatives, and national health policies and regulations, can improve lifestyle behaviors among children and adolescents.

Enhancing Non-Communicable Disease Management in Elderly Families: A Community Outreach Initiative

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant public health concern, particularly among elderly families. Limited access to healthcare resources and inadequate disease management exacerbation the impact of NCDs on this vulnerable population. This study aimed to implement a community outreach initiative focused on enhancing non-communicable disease management in elderly families. A comprehensive intervention was designed, including health education workshops, individualized health assessments, and the establishment of support networks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to measure changes in knowledge levels, health status, health management practices, health behaviors, and family resilience among elderly families. Following the intervention, there was a substantial improvement in knowledge regarding NCDs and their management. Additionally, participants exhibited enhanced health status and more effective health management practices. Positive changes in health behaviors, such as regular exercise and balanced nutrition, were also observed. Moreover, family resilience significantly increased, strengthening their ability to cope with health challenges. The community outreach initiative demonstrated significant positive outcomes in non-communicable disease management among elderly families. Targeted interventions can play a role in empowering this demographic, improve their health and well-being, and encouraging community-based health services.

The multifaceted role of fluoride in preventing early childhood caries: A comprehensive review

Early childhood caries (ECC) remains a prevalent and significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in underserved communities. Fluoride has long been recognized as a cornerstone in ECC prevention due to its multifaceted mechanisms of action, including topical effects on enamel, systemic effects on dental development, antimicrobial properties, and the ability to promote remineralization of early carious lesions. This comprehensive review explores the various roles of fluoride in preventing ECC, encompassing its sources, efficacy, safety considerations, delivery strategies, challenges, and future directions. Community water fluoridation, fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, professional treatments, and dietary sources constitute primary means of fluoride exposure. Extensive clinical trials, epidemiological studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews provide robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of fluoride in reducing ECC prevalence and severity. However, optimizing fluoride exposure levels while minimizing the risk of dental fluorosis remains a critical consideration, especially in vulnerable populations. Strategies for fluoride delivery in high-risk groups, such as early childhood interventions, school-based programs, and community outreach initiatives, play pivotal roles in promoting oral health equity. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including limited access to fluoride in underserved areas, public misconceptions, and the need for further research on novel fluoride formulations. Fluoride continues to be a vital tool in ECC prevention, with implications for both clinical practice and public health policy. Addressing disparities in fluoride access and enhancing community engagement are essential for maximizing its impact in reducing ECC burden globally. Future research endeavors should focus on innovative approaches to fluoride delivery and long-term oral health outcomes in diverse populations.

Baseball Injury Prevention Through a Community Outreach Initiative.

Sports-related craniofacial injuries account for 10% to 42% of facial fractures in the US pediatric population, with the incidence of injury peaking at ages 6 to 7 and 12 to 14. The National Survey of Children's Health reported ~5.6 million children between the ages of 6 and 17 participated in baseball in 2021. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System reported 861,456 injuries resulting from baseball and 511,117 injuries resulting from softball in 2021, with ~500,000 of those injuries being to the face/head/neck. While participation in baseball and other youth sports has tremendous physical and mental health benefits, facial and other athletic injuries are concerning beyond the pain and disability caused by the incident itself. Severe injury can result in lost time from school as well as other social activities. Players and their families often experience financial strain as a result of physical trauma as well. The use of protective equipment has decreased the incidence of emergency department visits due to baseball-related trauma, especially mouthguards. However, adherence to using mouthguards is relatively low in baseball, with over 80% of players reporting not being told by a coach to wear mouthpieces. Youth from low-income areas often lack financial means to provide protective equipment and health insurance in the case of injury. The authors, along with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Miami Marlins RBI Program, created an outreach program by which over 400 mouthguards were given to players and caretakers at inner-city baseball and softball programs. Two community outreach events took place in South Florida. One event was held at a University of Miami Men's Baseball Game, and another was held on the opening day of the Miami Marlins RBI Program youth baseball league. In addition to handing out protective equipment and informational pamphlets, a question and answers session was held to discuss injury prevention. In conclusion, our community safety initiative created an interactive dialogue and message to hundreds of youth baseball players about the importance of protective gear to prevent injuries.

An Appreciative Journey to the Formulation of a Business School Credo

This paper narrates how a community outreach initiative to interview local leaders on organizational adaptation to COVID morphed into a systematic reflection on Emirati-expatriate leadership relations in the UAE with an eclectic mix of thinkers serving as guides along the journey. Influenced by Cooperrider’s call for an appreciative inquiry into the tragic as well as the ordinary and extraordinary, a deep dive is undertaken into the following questions:
 
 Why and for whom do Emiratis and expatriates sustain their pursuit of excellence?
 Why and how do Emiratis seek to engage expatriates in this pursuit?
 Why are expatriates initially charmed but often prematurely ‘exit’ as this engagement runs its course?
 Where in some of the stories told about Sheikh Zayed can be found a more life-giving purpose?
 
 The journey eventually returns home by discussing how it influenced the formulation of a philosophy to guide the strategic process in my business school and could be relevant to other academic ‘place shapers’ seeking cross-cultural enrichment.

Aligning community outreach initiatives with SDGs in a higher education institution with artificial intelligence

PurposeConsidering the role of community outreach of a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in promoting sustainable regional development, based on the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, the present study aims to verify, with the usage of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, the alignment of community outreach actions of an HEI to the SDGs and identify its actions with the greatest impact. Design/methodology/approachThe study is descriptive through a case study at a university in Brazil. Documentary analysis was carried out using data on more than 15,000 community outreach projects developed from 2009 to 2022, using natural language processing (NLP). In addition to the descriptive aspects, combining NLP with statistical techniques allowed us to discuss the alignment between community outreach projects and the SDGs from a longitudinal perspective. FindingsThe results demonstrated that the main SDGs in community outreach actions are SDG 17: Partnerships and Means of Implementation; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. These results are prominent because community outreach aims to establish a dialogical relationship between society and the university, conceiving the exchange of knowledge based on the actions developed and sharing knowledge with those involved in community extension. OriginalityThe use of AI technologies to identify and monitor data on community outreach actions in HEI towards the SDGs, and to propose ways to share this information with internal and external stakeholders of the institution.

Pengembangan Phantom Bantuan Hidup Dasar Sederhana sebagai Alat Bantu Praktikum Resusitasi Jantung Paru

Typically, practical laboratory activities employ teaching media such as phantoms or props. Due to the increased demand for borrowing and utilization of laboratory equipment, as well as the presence of nursing laboratory standards, the Educational Laboratory Staff (PLP) is compelled to devise innovative solutions to address the shortage of instruments. One such solution is the Basic Life Support (BHD) phantom. The study aimed to create a straightforward Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) model for Basic Life Support (BHD) training, utilizing manikin displays and indicator lights. The tool fabrication process began with rudimentary materials yet yielded comparable advantages to commercially available tools, enhancing the efficacy of practical tasks in laboratory experiments, research endeavors, and community outreach initiatives. The research employed the Research and Development Study approach and was conducted in the D3 Nursing Study Program laboratory at Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang. The research process consisted of three distinct stages: tool design and assembly, trial phase, and tool acceptance or feasibility testing. The findings of this study demonstrated that the straightforward BHD phantom was deemed practical and suitable as an instructional tool in BHD training, specifically for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Future researchers must advance the development of this straightforward BHD phantom learning media to enhance the current prototype.

Fostering culinary diversification, food hygiene, and sanitation: A community outreach initiative for MSMEs

This paper highlights a community outreach program aimed at promoting culinary diversification, enhancing food hygiene, and fostering sanitation practices among Culinary Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Serdang Wetan Village under BUMDES (Village-owned enterprise) Serdang Tirta Kencana, Tangerang, Indonesia. The primary objective of the outreach activities was to empower MSMEs with knowledge and skills to diversify their culinary offerings while ensuring compliance with essential food safety standards and sanitation guidelines. Through a cooking workshop and interactive demonstrations, participating MSMEs were introduced to new recipes, cooking techniques, and ingredient combinations that would enhance their menu options. The program also strongly emphasized food hygiene and sanitation practices to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and uphold public health standards. Participants received comprehensive training on proper food handling, storage, and preparation techniques, emphasizing maintaining a clean and hygienic environment within their establishments. Overall, this program underscores the significance of community-driven initiatives in bolstering culinary diversification, food hygiene, and sanitation for MSMEs. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, this outreach program holds the potential to promote sustainable development and elevate the food industry in Serdang Wetan Village while ensuring the health and well-being of its residents and visitors alike.

Using Public Health Detailing to Increase Access and Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines and Reinvest in Disproportionately Impacted NYC Communities.

COVID-19 vaccination rates in New York City (NYC) began to plateau in the spring of 2021, with unacceptable inequities in vaccination rates based on race. To address racial inequities in vaccination rates and COVID-19 health outcomes, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene adapted a preexisting provider outreach and education program for public health emergency use with the goals of community reinvestment and increasing patient confidence and access to the COVID-19 vaccines. The Vaccine Public Health Detailing (VPHD) program was delivered as part of a larger community outreach initiative and brought timely updates, materials, and access to technical assistance to primary care providers and staff in NYC neighborhoods experiencing COVID-19 health inequities. Outreach representatives also collected feedback from providers on resource needs to inform the agency's response. Sixteen outreach representatives were rapidly trained on COVID-19-related content and strategic communication techniques and launched a 3-wave campaign across targeted neighborhoods throughout NYC. The campaign ran from May 2021 to March 2022 and was conducted in coordination with other community engagement initiatives aimed at the general public to promote greater collective impact. In total, 2873 detailing sessions were conducted with 2027 unique providers at 1281 sites. Outreach representatives successfully completed visits at more than 85% of practices that were in scope and operating. Approximately 20% (285) of the sites requested a referral for technical assistance to become a COVID-19 vaccination site or enroll in the Citywide Immunization Registry. Qualitative information shared by providers offered a more in-depth understanding of vaccine-related sentiments and challenges faced by providers on the ground. VPHD is an effective method for supporting community providers, gathering feedback on resource needs and practice challenges, and increasing health systems efficacy during a public health emergency while also prioritizing racial equity and community reinvestment.

Editorial: Congenital Heart Defects in Pakistan: Addressing Challenges and Enhancing Care

Introduction:
 Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are a significant health concern worldwide, affecting millions of infants each year. In Pakistan, the prevalence of CHDs is alarmingly high, posing a considerable burden on the healthcare system and placing numerous families in distress. This editorial aims to shed light on the challenges associated with CHDs in Pakistan and highlight the need for improved strategies and resources to enhance the care and outcomes for affected individuals.
 
 High Prevalence:
 Pakistan witnesses a high incidence of CHDs, with estimates suggesting that around 50,000 children are born with these defects every year [1]. The exact causes for this high prevalence are not yet fully understood, but factors such as consanguineous marriages, maternal malnutrition, exposure to environmental toxins, and limited access to prenatal care may contribute to the increased occurrence [2].
 
 Challenges Faced:
 Several challenges impede the effective management of CHDs in Pakistan. Limited awareness among the general population, particularly in rural areas, hampers early detection and timely intervention. Late diagnosis often leads to complications and reduced chances of successful treatment. Moreover, the shortage of specialized pediatric cardiac centers and trained healthcare professionals further exacerbates the problem [3].
 
 Inadequate Infrastructure:
 Pakistan faces a scarcity of dedicated pediatric cardiac centers equipped with the necessary technology and facilities to diagnose and treat CHDs effectively. The existing infrastructure is insufficient to cater to the overwhelming demand, resulting in long waiting times and delayed interventions. Investment in establishing more centers with state-of-the-art equipment and skilled medical staff is essential to ensure timely and accessible care for affected children throughout the country.
 Financial Barriers:
 The cost of treating CHDs can be exorbitant, making it unaffordable for many families in Pakistan. Surgical interventions and long-term medical management impose a significant financial burden, further compounded by the lack of health insurance coverage for congenital conditions. Public and private collaborations, along with governmental initiatives, are needed to develop financial assistance programs and insurance schemes that provide necessary support to families affected by CHDs [4].
 
 Improving Awareness and Education:
 Raising awareness about CHDs is crucial in order to promote early diagnosis, timely intervention, and prevention strategies. Public health campaigns, educational programs in schools and colleges, and community outreach initiatives should be implemented to disseminate information about CHDs, their signs and symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical attention. Empowering healthcare professionals with specialized training and knowledge in pediatric cardiology is also essential to enhance the capacity for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management[5].
 
 Collaboration and Research:
 Strengthening collaboration between healthcare institutions, researchers, and policymakers is vital to tackle the challenges associated with CHDs effectively. Increased investment in research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of CHDs in the Pakistani context can lead to significant advancements in understanding the disease and developing targeted interventions. Furthermore, fostering international collaborations can facilitate knowledge exchange and promote best practices in CHD management.
 
 Conclusion:
 Congenital heart defects present a significant healthcare challenge in Pakistan, affecting a large number of children and placing a strain on families and the healthcare system. Addressing the challenges associated with CHDs requires a comprehensive approach that includes improved infrastructure, enhanced awareness, financial support, and collaborative research efforts. By investing in these areas, Pakistan can pave the way for better outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals with CHDs.

Mammography screening beliefs and barriers through the lens of Black women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mammography is an effective screening tool that leads to decreased breast cancer mortality, yet minority women continue to experience barriers. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been proven to have negatively affected minority communities, yet its effect on mammography screening habits in Black women is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate breast cancer mammography screening habits and barriers for Black women in two northeast communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The study participants were Black women aged 40years or older who were recruited from community outreach initiatives. Study coordinators conducted telephone surveys to determine mammography screening behaviors, perceptions, and psychosocial factors. Two hundred seventy-seven surveys were completed. Two hundred fifty-six patients who reported ever having a mammogram became the study population of interest. One hundred seventy-four of these patients (68%) reported having a mammogram within the past year (nondelayed), and 82 (32%) had a mammogram more than a year ago (delayed). Only thirty-one of the delayed participants (37.8%) had private insurance. There was a significant difference in the mean score for mammography screening perceived barriers for nondelayed participants (mean=9.9, standard deviation [SD]=3.6) versus delayed participants (mean=11.2, SD=4.3, p=.03). There was also a significant difference in the mean score when they were asked, "How likely is it that 'other health problems would keep you from having a mammogram'?" (p=.002). Barriers to mammography screening for Black women during the COVID-19 era include insurance, competing health issues, and perceptions of screening. Community outreach efforts should concentrate on building trust and collaborating with organizations to improve screening despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commemorations and outreach: Shi‘i leaders of metro Detroit take on the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractOn March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus (COVID‐19) outbreak a global pandemic, spurring dramatic changes in public health policies, travel between countries, and (trans)national economies, as well as in religious and political institutions. In the United States, in particular, the pandemic provoked and revealed an increasingly fraught relationship between scientific, religious, and political sources of information and leadership—an American “crisis of authority” wherein many Americans distrusted scientific and medical establishments. This article explores how Shi‘i Muslim institutions and leaders of metro Detroit navigated these competing authorities, even as their communities faced entrenched societal inequities, including anti‐Muslim racism (Islamophobia). Through interviews with Shi‘i religious leaders in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and Detroit, supplemented by digital and in‐person ethnographic research at five major Shi‘i mosques, we show how major Islamic centers and leaders argued for the efficacy, safety, religious value, and legality of COVID‐19 medical guidance and led extensive community outreach initiatives to help their struggling communities. Supported by religious scholars in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, their guidance offered messages of hope and resilience, as well as an emphasis on the community preservation and selflessness (caring for others) exemplified by the Family of the Prophet. They also emphasized how religious and scientific knowledge intersect, as per the sacred texts of Islam (the Qur'an and hadiths). Their approach compels us to better understand how sources of religious authority can tether vulnerable communities to forms of (legitimate) knowledge in times of upheaval, divisive politics, and misinformation.

Issues Regarding Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sarawak: An Overview

Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health is a commonly discussed topic in public health research. In Sarawak, similar challenges have been faced in other parts of the world which are, lack of access to accurate and comprehensive information about safe sex, contraception access and usage, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) whereby the adolescents will commit a risky sexual activity that affects their physical, mental and their socio-economic status. The Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development has stated that the cases of teenage pregnancy are rising in recent years as adolescents are engaging in risky sexual behaviour. Such cases occur due to adolescents experiencing sexual novelty during their growth and development period. Misconception about sex also contributes to risky sexual activity among adolescents as the source of information about sex they obtain is from media and pornography. Efforts have been made to enhance the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in Sarawak including school-based sex education and community outreach initiatives. However, there are still many efforts to be achieved to ensure that adolescents have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Impact of pandemic on accrual of minority participants to interventional cancer clinical trials.

e18581 Background: Underrepresentation of Black (BL) and Hispanic (HIS) participants in cancer clinical trials remains a major challenge. Community- and patient-facing initiatives facilitate minority participant accrual (Guerra et al, ASCO, 2021); however, limitations due to COVID-19 pandemic and loss of in-person activities in the community have threatened efforts. In response, the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) at Penn launched community and patient outreach initiatives that were virtual or socially distanced, including drive-through cancer screening ‘mini-clinics’ in community parking lots, mobile mammography, virtual patient education, and community clinical trial ambassadors. Here, we report accrual of BL and HIS participants to interventional cancer clinical trials at the ACC from 2019 through 2021. Methods: Two geographic areas were examined (i) the ACC 12-county catchment area, where 81% of tumor registry patients reside, and (ii) Philadelphia County, ACC’s physical location and where 22% of ACC patients reside. The primary metrics evaluated per geographic area for BL and HIS individuals were: % of residents in the population, % of cancer cases overall, % of adult cancer patients seen and cared for at the ACC, and % of adult participants enrolled on treatment (T) or non-therapeutic interventional (NTI) trials. Data sources were: US Census 2010 and 2020; state cancer registry data for 2015-2019 (most recent); and ACC data for 2019-2021. Pragmatic clinical trials were excluded. Results: The total new patients seen at ACC decreased by 13% in 2020 compared to 2019 rebounding in 2021. Compared to 2019, total T accruals decreased 40% in 2020 and 45% in 2021. NTI accruals decreased 58% in 2020 but recovered by 2021. Primary metrics are shown in the Table. From 2019 through 2021, the % of BL and HIS patients seen at the ACC was constant. For BL patients from the entire catchment or from Philadelphia County, the % enrolled on T trials matched or exceeded the % of BL patients at ACC. For NTI accruals, there was a modest decrease in 2021 in the % of BL participants for the 12 counties but an increase in Philadelphia. For HIS individuals, the % of patients seen at ACC and enrolled on T or NTI trials was stable. Conclusions: With community- and patient-facing efforts adjusted for pandemic limitations, relative accrual of BL and HIS participants to interventional clinical trials was sustained at our cancer center in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. [Table: see text]

Community outreach initiatives in dermatology: cross-sectional study.

Community outreach initiatives in dermatology: cross-sectional study.

MP75-04 SYLVESTER GAME CHANGER’S MOBILE PSA SCREENING AIMS TO IMPROVE PROSTATE CANCER OUTCOMES AMONG LOCAL AT-RISK POPULATIONS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP75-04 SYLVESTER GAME CHANGER’S MOBILE PSA SCREENING AIMS TO IMPROVE PROSTATE CANCER OUTCOMES AMONG LOCAL AT-RISK POPULATIONS Jamie Thomas, Jasmine Kannikal, Anwar Khan, Helen Hougen, Brandon Mahal, and Sanoj Punnen Jamie ThomasJamie Thomas More articles by this author , Jasmine KannikalJasmine Kannikal More articles by this author , Anwar KhanAnwar Khan More articles by this author , Helen HougenHelen Hougen More articles by this author , Brandon MahalBrandon Mahal More articles by this author , and Sanoj PunnenSanoj Punnen More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003349.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Because disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and outcomes extend across social and racial strata, identifying barriers to care and facilitating early detection propose pathways to enhance survival among vulnerable populations. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s community outreach initiative, called the Game Changer (GC), provides a platform for mobile prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening to vulnerable populations and presents an opportunity to learn more about factors that contribute towards disparities in PCa. METHODS: In-house software (SCAN360) developed at the University of Miami uses county level data to identify populations that are experiencing disproportionate cancer burden, defining the catchment area for focused outreach in Miami-Dade and neighboring counties. In September 2022, GC began PCa screening and data collection across three pilot sites and continues to expand regionally. This study describes the early experience of mobile PCa screening in South Florida and provides and demographic and clinical breakdown of the patients who participated. RESULTS: As one of three mobile PSA screening clinics globally, GC aims to screen a minimum of 250 men within medically underserved communities over the next six months. As of this submission, 41 men have been screened - 83% reported being African American and 10% Hispanic or Latino. About 22% had a PSA >3, requiring further testing which will occur via community partners who engage with GC. Men requesting PCa screening through GC are invited to participate in a research protocol that involves bio-specimen collection (blood, urine, and saliva) for future epigenetic and biomarker research. Men are also asked to fill surveys that measure known risk factors, barriers to care, and current attitudes toward PCa screening. CONCLUSIONS: The GC is one of a few mobile PCa screening clinics in the world. It targets at risk populations using novel data driven software and provides an opportunity to provide care to vulnerable populations and learn more about the drivers of disparities in PCa incidence and care. Source of Funding: This research was supported by a U01 award from the NCI (U01CA239141) and Paps Corps Champions for Cancer Research Endowed Chair for Solid Tumor Research © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1080 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jamie Thomas More articles by this author Jasmine Kannikal More articles by this author Anwar Khan More articles by this author Helen Hougen More articles by this author Brandon Mahal More articles by this author Sanoj Punnen More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

A Path Forward: COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Community Education and Outreach Initiative.

COVID-19 vaccines offer hope to end the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we document key lessons learned as we continue to confront COVID-19 variants and work to adapt our vaccine outreach strategies to best serve our community. In the fall of 2020, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity at Johns Hopkins Medicine, in collaboration with the Office of Government and Community Affairs for Johns Hopkins University and Medicine, established the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Community Education and Outreach Initiative in partnership with faith and community leaders, local and state government representatives, and community-based organizations. Working with community and government partnerships established before COVID-19 enabled our team to quickly build infrastructure focused on COVID-19 vaccine education and equity. These partnerships resulted in the development and implementation of web-based educational content, major culturally adapted media campaigns (reaching more than 200,000 individuals), community and faith education outreach, youth-focused initiatives, and equity-focused mobile vaccine clinics. The community mobile vaccine clinics vaccinated over 3,000 people in the first 3 months. Of these, 90% identified as persons of color who have been disproportionately impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Academic-government-community partnerships are vital to ensure health equity. Community partnerships, education events, and open dialogues were conducted between the community and medical faculty. Using nontraditional multicultural media venues enabled us to reach many community members and facilitated informed decisionmaking. Additionally, an equitable COVID-19 vaccine policy requires attention to vaccine access as well as access to sound educational information. Our initiative has been thoughtful about using various types of vaccination sites, mobile vaccine units, and flexible hours of operation.

Health education impact on knowledge and management of arboviral diseases in Kenya: Evidence from randomised control trials

ABSTRACT Communities’ knowledge and management strategies are crucial for mitigating and controlling the threat of existing and emerging diseases. In this study, we conducted randomised control trials (RCT) to examine the impact of health education on households’ knowledge and management of three Arboviral Diseases (ADs); Rift Valley fever, Chikungunya fever, and Dengue fever in Kenya. The study was based on a sample of 629 households drawn from the three of Kenya’s AD hotspot counties; Baringo, Kwale, and Kilifi. Employing a difference-in-difference method, our findings indicate that health education intervention significantly improved households’ understanding of ADs transmission modes, causes, and prevention strategies. However, this intervention did not sufficiently influence households’ disease management behaviour. We recommend the implementation of community engagement and outreach initiatives which have the potential to drive behavioural changes at the household level, thus enhancing the management and control of ADs in Kenya.

34960 Examining diversity and community engagement dermatology residency positions in the United States

Introduction: Diversity and Community Engagement (DCE) residency positions have recently emerged to promote diversity and encourage academic investigation in caring for underserved populations. DCE residents pursue traditional medical and surgical residency training plus scholarly work and leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement. We describe DCE dermatology residency positions to provide a roadmap for educators who are interested in creating similar positions. Methods: Websites of 138 ACGME-accredited dermatology residency programs were reviewed, which revealed DCE residency positions affiliated with Duke School of Medicine and University of Pennsylvania. Semistructured interviews were held with key faculty members at these institutions to discuss program vision and to identify associated benefits and challenges. Results: The vision of these programs was to prioritize increasing DCE initiatives by recruiting residents who had sustained interest in research, educational programs, and/or community service specific to diversity and inclusion. DCE residents were encouraged to pursue their interests through clinical electives and scholarly work; many completed research projects on diseases that disproportionately affect people of color. Key benefits of these positions include expanded curriculum on diversity and inclusion and increased community outreach efforts by all faculty and residents. Other benefits include demonstrated department commitment to diversity and community engagement, which contributed to increased underrepresented in medicine residency applicants. Challenges include initial conceptualization of program funding and maintaining community outreach initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion: DCE residency positions provide personalized graduate medical education and may foster the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to caring for underserved populations.