Community Equity Research Articles

How does geographical environment affect residents' perception of social justice: An empirical study from low-income communities in Beijing

With the transition to a market-oriented economic system and the transformation of social structure, urban society has undergone significant spatial differentiation, leading to a deepening divide between the rich and the poor. This has caused issues like social exclusion and spatial isolation to become increasingly prominent, which in turn, limit the harmonious and orderly development of cities. As Beijing's goal to become a “world-class harmonious and livable city” accelerates, there has been a growing focus on ensuring social justice satisfaction for residents in low-income communities. This focus has translated into more attention being paid to spatial equity in residents' living environments. Employing a mixed-methods approach with multi-level regressions to understand the nuanced interplay between urban geography and social equity, where depend variable was subjective questionary from low-income communities in Beijing (2017), the independent variables were geographical factors. Using research data from typical low-income communities in Beijing (2017), our study integrated theories from geography and sociology to examine the spatial equity of the living environment. We then empirically analyzed the impact of geographical environment and objective conditions on residents' perception of social equity in low-income communities. Our findings indicate that there are significant differences in the level of social justice perception among residents across different types of communities. The upscale community with better community environment is not consistent with the evaluation of higher perceived justice. Furthermore, service facilities, employment accessibility, and built environment all influence individual satisfaction with social justice to varying degrees. There is also a moderating effect of living environment satisfaction on social justice perception in low-income communities, with residents' socioeconomic attributes influencing their level of social justice satisfaction. This research contributes to the broader understanding of spatial equity in urban development, highlighting the pivotal role of geographical factors in shaping perceptions of social justice. These insights are crucial for policymakers and urban planners striving for more equitable urban development in rapidly growing cities.

Urban greenery distribution and its link to social vulnerability

Urban greenery plays a pivotal role in urban environments, impacting the environmental well-being and people’s comfort. Several studies have demonstrated a strong link between urban greenery and socioeconomic status but still lack an analysis of greenery on uneven distribution in social vulnerability. This study assesses how multi-level greenery rates distribute and associate the social vulnerability of people in 429 census tracts in the Seattle metropolitan area. It integrates multi-source urban informatics data, including remote sensing data and street view imagery, to identify various vegetation types. Then, it uses the interpretable machine learning model to explore the relationship between street-level green space distribution and community vulnerability. The results show a serious problem of uneven distribution of green spaces in urban centers since urban areas are built up and fragmented the landscape. Areas with low urban greening in the Seattle area have higher rates of poverty, unemployment, racial segregation, and housing overcrowding. Besides, greening features like street green views, which are more related to human perception, have a great association with social vulnerability. These findings contribute to the urban green spaces to better promote community equity and vulnerability.

Social Determinants Influencing Nutrition Behaviors and Cardiometabolic Health in Indigenous Populations: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Nutrition behavior is influenced by a large number of factors, including social and cultural factors. This scoping review aims to summarize how social determinants of health (SDoH) influence nutrition behaviors in Indigenous populations affected by or at risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a systematic search in six databases-PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and World Health Organization Global Index Medicus-limiting results to studies published in English up to 27 October 2023. A descriptive synthesis was conducted. We identified 1490 articles, and after screening, 31 of them met our inclusion criteria. We found that nutritional behavior is impacted by various SDoH domains, including economic stability, neighborhood and built environment, education, health and healthcare, and social and community context. The shift from traditional diets to Westernized diets and from subsistence-based food gathering to reliance on store-bought and processed foods reflects changes in SDoH, affecting both nutrition behaviors and health outcomes. Although not all included studies examined every SDoH domain in our review, future research should consider all domains to gain a comprehensive understanding of how they impact nutritional behavior. This approach will better inform interventions and policies, ultimately promoting health equity in Indigenous communities.

Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas: A concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers

BackgroundIt is vital that health service delivery and health interventions address patients’ needs or preferences, are relevant for practice and can be implemented. Involving those who will use or deliver healthcare in priority-setting can lead to health service delivery and research that is more meaningful and impactful. This is particularly crucial in rural communities, where limited resources and disparities in healthcare and health outcomes are often more pronounced. The aim of this study was to determine the health and healthcare priorities in rural communities using a region-wide community engagement approach.MethodsThis multi-methods study was conducted in five rural communities in the Grampians region, Western Victoria, Australia. It involved six concept mapping steps: (1) preparation, (2) generation (brainstorming statements and identifying rating criteria), (3) structuring statements (sorting and rating statements), (4) representation of statements, (5) interpretation of the concept map and (6) utilization. Community forums, surveys and stakeholder consultations with community members and health professionals were used in Step 2. An innovative online group concept mapping platform, involving consumers, health professionals and researchers was used in Step 3.ResultsOverall, 117 community members and 70 health professionals identified 400 health and healthcare issues. Six stakeholder consultation sessions (with 16 community members and 16 health professionals) identified three key values for prioritizing health issues: equal access for equal need, effectiveness and impact (number of people affected). Actionable priorities for healthcare delivery were largely related to access issues, such as the challenges navigating the healthcare system, particularly for people with mental health issues; the lack of sufficient general practitioners and other health providers; the high travel costs; and poor internet coverage often impacting technology-based interventions for people in rural areas.ConclusionsThis study identified actionable health and healthcare priorities from the perspective of healthcare service users and providers in rural communities in Western Victoria. Issues related to access, such as the inequities in healthcare costs, the perceived lack of quality and availability of services, particularly in mental health and disability, were identified as priorities. These insights can guide future research, policy-making and resource allocation efforts to improve healthcare access, quality and equity in rural communities.

Evaluating temporal variations in access to multi-tier hospitals using personal vehicles and public transit: Implications for healthcare equity

Understanding healthcare accessibility, or the ability to access healthcare services, has significant implications for both individual well-being and community equity. However, existing studies seldom account for temporally varying factors such as traffic conditions and hospital schedules, resulting in miscalculation of accessibility. This study addresses this gap by introducing a framework that evaluates accessibility to multi-tier hospitals, factoring in both spatial and temporal aspects, using public transit (PT) and personal vehicles (PVs), and assesses its impact on horizontal and vertical equity. Implemented in Shanghai, China, we employ the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area method for accessibility quantification and utilize map APIs for dynamic travel time data. Our analysis reveals: (i) notable temporal fluctuations in healthcare accessibility, especially for PT, and their significant impact on both horizontal and vertical equity due to varying travel times and hospital schedules; (ii) larger disparities in higher-tier hospital accessibility compared to lower-tier ones; (iii) greater horizontal equity using PV-based accessibility and higher vertical equity using PT-based accessibility. These findings highlight the need to offer customized transit to healthcare facilities, expand telehealth services, incorporate equity in healthcare resource allocation, incentivize healthcare professionals to work in underserved areas, and develop outreach programs to improve accessibility and equity.

Demand-side barriers and economic burden in accessing Human Papillomavirus screening for cervical cancer prevention in rural India: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

Introduction Cervical cancer is a significant global health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to preventive healthcare. India’s vast rural population amplifies the challenge, demanding immediate action. Despite advancements, cervical cancer remains prevalent among underserved rural communities, hindered by barriers to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening uptake, including socioeconomic and financial constraints. This study aims to evaluate the economic challenges encountered by rural women when accessing HPV screening. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1502 women aged 30 to 45 in Pondicherry, India, utilizing the Andersen Model as a conceptual framework. Household questionnaires gathered data on HPV screening expenses, including patient travel costs, productivity loss, and companion costs. The analysis utilized regression models, to identify the factors impacting the economic challenges associated with accessing HPV screening. Results Employment status and higher education significantly increase total costs by 73.483 (p < 0.001) and 90.169 units (p < 0.001) respectively. Income level, though with a minimal coefficient (B = 0.000), shows a significant effect (p = 0.019) on total costs. Longer travel hours raise costs by 5.129 units (p < 0.001), while having a companion increases costs by 106.095 units (p = 0.004). Prolonged patient time at Primary Health Center (PHC) contributes to a 2.357-unit increase in costs (p < 0.001). Conclusions The study highlights the multifaceted economic challenges faced by rural populations accessing HPV screening for cervical cancer prevention in India. Notwithstanding diverse demographics and varying proximity to healthcare facilities, individuals encounter significant barriers such as travel time and associated costs. Addressing these challenges necessitates targeted interventions to reduce socioeconomic disparities and improve healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations, thereby advancing cervical cancer prevention efforts and promoting health equity in rural communities.

Expansion of outreach to native Hawaii and Pacific Islander communities to increase breast cancer screening and clinical trial awareness in underserved and rural Oahu.

e13725 Background: Multiple barriers exist in the enrollment of racial and ethnic minority groups into breast cancer screening and clinical trials. Such barriers include the lack of knowledge, mistrust, and access. To increase participation of rural-dwelling Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (NHPI) and other underserved minority groups in breast cancer screening and clinical trials, a pilot project was developed to augment community engagement, provide education, and gain insights into the cancer screening/clinical trial process. Our objective was to engage rural Oahu's underserved communities in breast cancer screening and facilitate enrollment into the Digital Tomosynthesis Mammography and Digital Mammography in Screening Patients of Breast Cancer Trial (TMIST) utilizing a team comprising of a cultural congruent and gender concordant Community Health Educator (CHE) and medical oncology health care provider. Methods: We reviewed the community activities over the course of a year. The CHE facilitated outreach by speaking at numerous church events and other community gatherings. Results: Participants did not respond favorably to surveys on social determinants of health. Common reasons for their reluctance included lack of perceived importance and medical mistrust. When discussing verbiage that was intimidating or confusing such as clinical trial protocol consent language, TMIST study participants conveyed a strong sense of dehumanization. Conclusions: A total of 93 women were screened for the TMIST clinical trial. Of those, 13 were enrolled in TMIST and 31 participants received mammograms. Participant insight highlighted the importance of education using culturally sensitive language and community engagement to combat the lack of knowledge and mistrust. Continued development of education materials centered around community involvement will improve the accrual of NHPI participation in breast cancer screening/clinical trials. We hope this project established a basis for equity in communities with low breast cancer screening and clinical trial participation rates. We intend to build upon the community partnerships forged during this pilot project.

Addressing Equity and Justice in Age-Friendly Communities: Considerations for LGBTQ+ Older Adults of Color.

This research critically examined the concept of age-friendliness from the perspectives of older Black lesbian women living in New York City (NYC). The primary aim was to extend existing age-friendly frameworks to more inclusively meet the needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer adults of color, promoting greater equity and justice. Applying principles from critical participatory action research, we collected and analyzed data from 5 focus groups consisting of 5 older Black lesbian women. Participants shared their daily experiences living in NYC and proposed ideas to enhance the age-friendliness of the city to better accommodate their unique needs and experiences. Participants called for greater attention to the interaction between identities and structures in relation to age-friendly communities. Historic and contemporary experiences of violence and discrimination, as well as the ever-shifting political context were identified as a key factor shaping their aging experiences. The need for affirming spaces with positive representation of their layered identities was emphasized in the context of age-friendly interventions. While dominant age-friendly frameworks are universally accepted for improving the health and wellbeing of older adults, the specific challenges of aging with multiple intersecting marginalized identities necessitate a critical perspective. Gerontology needs to take seriously how privilege and oppression operate within society, shaping health and aging trajectories of vulnerable and underserved populations.

Decolonising student services: Implications for conflict management in higher education

This theoretical argument explores the decolonisation of student services in higher education and its implications for conflict management. The study is based on a comprehensive literature review that incorporates decolonial theories, frameworks, and existing discourse on student services. It establishes a theoretical framework that integrates key concepts from decolonial perspectives and conflict management. Using a theory synthesis design and conceptual analysis to advance the argument, the article explores the transformative process of decolonising student services and how it affects conflict management in diverse academic communities. By examining the intersection between decolonial approaches and conflict management, this study highlights how restructuring student services through a decolonial lens contributes to the creation of inclusive and equitable environments. Real-world case studies are also considered, providing an understanding of successful instances where decolonisation positively impacts conflict dynamics. Moreover, the article discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing decolonised student services, offering practical recommendations for educators, administrators, and policymakers. This work contributes to the ongoing discourse on higher education by providing insights into the complex relationship between decolonisation, student services, and conflict resolution. It envisions a future where culturally responsive and decolonised student service practices foster collaboration and prioritise equity, inclusivity, and collaborative conflict management in diverse academic communities.

239 Promoting Health Equity in South Los Angeles: A Place-Based Initiative in the Nickerson Gardens Housing Development

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Partnering with the Housing Authority of Los Angeles, we launched a place-based initiative in the Nickerson Gardens housing development in South Los Angeles, where we apply our community engagement approach of listening and learning, and trust and relationship building, to deliver public health interventions in a discrete community. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Nickerson Gardens is the largest housing development in Los Angeles, with 1,066 units and over 3,000 residents. 58% and 40% of the residents are Hispanic and Black/African American respectively with an average yearly income of less than $30,000. To build trust and establish relationships, our team began attending community events, holding weekly educational workshops, and participating in the summer program for youth. We also held listening sessions in English and Spanish that asked aboutthe overall health of the Nickerson Gardens community, environment and public space, access and barriers to care, needed healthcare services, and the lived experience within Nickerson Gardens. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: To date, we have held eight 90-minute listening sessions in English and Spanish with 59 participants. The sessions provided insight into theneeded health and educational resources and services, the organizational structure of the housing development and how that impacts access to information and services, as well as the nuanced and area-specific transportation issues and the connection to safety concerns. These findings will inform the next phase of this initiative which includes convening a Coordinating Council composed of service providers and Nickerson Gardens residents. This council will oversee the coordination and implementation of needed services, help maintain accountability of the providers, and offer residents the opportunity to take ownership of the process. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Academic-community partnerships are an effective strategy to deliver public health interventions and promote health equity in under-resourced communities. We tested and measured impact in a distinct community to reinforce a widely-applicable place-based model.

Black and White Americans’ Perceptions of Community Equity Efforts Diverge Following the Removal of Confederate Monuments

Communities across the United States are removing Confederate monuments from public spaces. Little work, however, has considered downstream consequences of these decisions. Across three experiments and four replications in Supplemental Material, we examine impacts of community decisions on individuals’ perceptions of communities’ efforts toward racial equity. We find that the removal of monuments leads White Americans—but not Black Americans—to believe that communities will sufficiently prioritize policies aimed at redressing racial inequity in the future. Taken together, these findings suggest that the symbolic removal of Confederate monuments may signal different structural equity investments to different constituencies, with Whites anticipating that communities will engage in sufficient racial equity policy efforts and Black Americans remaining skeptical.

Systematic Review of Socially Sustainable and Community Regeneration: Research Traits, Focal Points, and Future Trajectories

Accelerated urbanization has led to regional disruptions and exacerbated imbalances in spatial quality, social cohesion, and inequalities. Urban regeneration, as a mitigating strategy for these disruptions, faces significant social challenges, particularly at the community scale. This study addresses the existing research gap by comprehensively reviewing community regeneration (CR) from a socially sustainable perspective (SSP). Utilizing VOSviewer software, we synthesize and categorize relevant research trends and methods spanning from 2006 to 2023, retrieving 213 coded articles among 5002 relevant documents from Web of Science bibliometric datasets. The study explores the implementation trajectory of CR, considering novel scenario demands, emerging technologies, and new development paradigms and approaches. It delves into human-centric approaches to enhance the quality of life, precision, and diversification of community engagement and cultivate a sense of community equity and belonging. Moreover, the findings highlight densification as a synergistic and adaptive strategy for current regeneration actions. This scientometric review leverages new tools and innovative approaches for regeneration policy and planning decision-making, ultimately contributing to the improvement of livability. The study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with socially sustainable CR, offering a foundation for future research, and guiding practical urban planning and design interventions.

Addressing Breast Cancer Equity Through Virtual Community Oncology Navigation and Engagement (vCONET).

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the United States, Black women face significant disparities in screening mammograms, experience higher rates of breast cancer at advanced stages, and are more likely to die from the disease. This study aimed to develop and beta-test a virtual health navigation program to enhance breast cancer care within the Black community. We identified barriers to utilizing virtual patient navigators and factors impacting the adoption of virtual navigation for breast cancer information among Black women. The vCONET (Virtual Community Oncology Navigation and Engagement) intervention was delivered through the Second Life virtual platform. The informational content was collaboratively developed with community members. Participants engaged in an informational session on risk factors, mammography information, and preventive behaviors. Surveys (n = 18) and focus groups (n = 9) assessed knowledge and insights into perceptions. Findings revealed a positive impact of the intervention, with participants expressing increased knowledge and willingness to seek further information about breast cancer prevention, and highlighted the engaging nature of the virtual environment, while acknowledging potential technological challenges. Virtual health navigation shows promise in addressing breast cancer disparities by promoting awareness among Black women. Future efforts should optimize virtual navigation approaches through collaborative engagement for lasting impact, enhancing breast cancer care and equity in communities of color.

Determinants of open membership in brazilian credit unions

Purpose: To identify the determining factors of Open Membership in Brazilian credit unions between 2016 and 2020.
 Methodology: A logistic regression model was used to estimate these factors. The analysis considered both specific internal variables of the cooperatives (age, asset size, number of members, and affiliation to systems) and variables representing the macroeconomic environment in which these institutions operate (municipal development index, population size in municipalities with service points (PACs) and cooperative headquarters).
 Results: The main results indicate that a lower population size in the municipalities containing the cooperative headquarters and PACs increases the probability of Open Membership. Additionally, cooperatives with a larger number of members and assets also have a higher likelihood of adopting Open Membership.
 Contributions of the Study: The study highlights the predominance of cooperatives with Open Membership in smaller and less developed municipalities, reinforcing the role of these cooperatives in social inclusion, reduction of inequalities, and provision of financial services and credit to the population in these locations. Moreover, the results provide valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and cooperatives interested in promoting socio-economic development and equity in underserved communities by the financial system.

Empowering love: Spirit baptism, divine power, and the pursuit of gender equity in Pentecostal-charismatic communities

ABSTRACT Drawing on feminist perspectives and pentecostal-charismatic pneumatology, this article suggests that understanding God's power as inclusive, life-giving love has the capacity to reshape gender roles and foster a more egalitarian future for both ecclesial and social spaces. It examines theological models that link God's power to hierarchical control as perpetuating gender inequalities and discrimination, suggesting that reframing divine empowerment might contribute to not only personal transformation, but also to oppressive structures or hegemonic control. The article then highlights pneumatological research which shows that the baptism of the Spirit, regarded through the framework of divine power as love, can be retrieved as a source for human flourishing. It concludes with a proposal for examining the connections of Spirit empowerment and divine love in light of gender oppression, suggesting that this may offer possibilities for feminist theological constructions.

Building Research for Academic and Community Equity (BRACE): A Toolkit for Community Research Partnerships.

Health and human service community organizations and researchers have important insights and resources to share with each other, yet often have very little information about how to interact in meaningful and equitable ways. Conceptualized by and for community organization professionals wanting to equitably interact with academic researchers, BRACE (Building Research for Academic and Community Equity) is a toolkit easily accessible to community members which explains research information and jargon in clear terms. BRACE uses community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles to guide both community organizations and academics seeking to partner on research. The BRACE toolkit's two main sections focus on identifying ideal aspects of community-academic research partnerships and writing grant proposals. Tools such as BRACE have the potential to increase the impact of community-engaged research by providing concrete guides for building partnerships and potentially sustaining them through grant funding.

A tiny library with a million volumes: Open-source resource sharing with fulfillment interlibrary loan (ILL)

his paper is based upon a lightning talk given at the NISO Plus conference on February 14, 2023 and it describes interlibrary Loan syste4m, Fulfillment, developed by the Equinox Open Library Initiative. A thriving resource-sharing consortium allows libraries to offer broader and deeper opportunities for individual learning and greater community equity. It unlocks access to additional copies beyond what an owning library has available, along with a broad range of content owned within the network, which provides a diverse collection for library users. Providing access to such a rich network of resources is the goal of Fulfillment, an open-source resource sharing system which breaks down barriers to sharing collections.

Factors Influencing Eye Screening Adherence Among Latinx Patients With Diabetes: A Qualitative Study.

Latinx populations have the highest rates of visual impairment and blindness of any ethnic group in the United States, with most cases of diabetic retinopathy remaining undiagnosed. We aimed to identify factors influencing adherence with diabetic eye screening in Latinx communities. We conducted semistructured individual interviews with adult Latinx patients in Dane County, WI. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated from Spanish to English, and analyzed using QSR NVivo software. We performed both inductive open coding and deductive coding using the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework, as well as the Campbell and Egede Model. All participants (n = 20) self-identified as Latinx and were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The mean age was 61.5 years (range 33-79 years). Most participants were uninsured (60%), self-reported low or moderate health literacy (60%), and preferred to speak Spanish during their clinic appointments (75%). Individual-level barriers to diabetic eye screening included limited eye health literacy, lack of insurance coverage, and low self-efficacy with diabetes management. Health system-level facilitators included a recommendation to obtain eye screening from a primary care provider and the use of nonwritten forms of patient education. Community-level barriers included social isolation, concerns about inconveniencing others, machismo, and immigration status. We identified several health system- and community-level factors, in addition to individual-level factors, influencing adherence with diabetic eye screening in Latinx communities. Strategies addressing these factors may enhance the effectiveness of interventions to prevent blindness from diabetes and contribute to advancing health equity in Latinx communities.

Quantitative analysis on dental utilisation in culturally and linguistically diverse mothers.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) mothers are influential in children's behaviours, yet little is known about this population. Furthermore, insufficient quantitative and context-based studies are available with CALD mothers and their access to oral health care. To address this gap, the study investigates oral health behaviours, psychological factors and remoteness area with dental utilisation in CALD mothers, within the NSW context. Informed by middle-range theory and a CALD-specific rainbow model, the 2013 and 2015 NSW Adult Population Health Survey was analysed. Variables for CALD mothers included household structure, age and language spoken. Multivariable analysis was conducted with oral health behaviours, psychological and remoteness variables, with dental utilisation as the outcome. The sample was weighted (n =190,283). In total, 39.8% did not have a dental visit, and older mothers (aged 36-55 years) sought more dental services than younger mothers (aged 18-35 years). Higher odds for treatment dental care (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.12-4.37) than prevention-oriented care were found. Mothers experiencing moderate levels of psychological distress (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31-0.77), or residing in outer regional and remote regions (aOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.85) were less likely to utilise dental care. Findings underline geographical issues in dental care utilisationand the need for integrated care for CALD mothers experiencing psychological distress, and to encourage uptake of preventive oral health care. Addressing cost barriers necessitates for universal health coverage. Multidisciplinary integration of healthcare services with improved primary sector collaboration between governments and healthcare providers, and the expansion to regional services are required for equity in CALD communities.

Creating an alliance for diversity in brain health for central Ohio community

AbstractBackgroundBlack, Indigenous, and other people of color are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). These individuals are less likely than non‐Hispanic whites to have access to ADRD‐ related resources, thus promoting health disparities.MethodIn 2022, the Alliance for Diversity in Brain Health for the Central Ohio Community (ADHOC) was created to fill this gap. Through grass roots efforts from the College of Nursing, the African American Alzheimer’s and Wellness Association teamed up with the Central Ohio Alzheimer’s Association. With leadership support from the National Alzheimer’s Association, we identified strengths, opportunities for collaboration, and long and short‐term goals to meet the needs of the Central Ohio ADRD community. Monthly meetings were held with a core group of four members to establish a community‐driven agenda for education, support, and research.ResultTo date, ADHOC results included a) grant‐funded, inaugural Annual Brain Health Fair with 14 local partnering agencies, b) five ADRD education presentations in five minoritized communities, and c) six research collaborations.ConclusionOur alliance provides a template that can scaled for use in communities globally to build bridges and promote health equity in ADRD communities through education, support and research.