UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center

We are proud to have several regional academic partnerships, including six of Alabama’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Leaders from these institutions support the work of the MHERC to develop health disparities research training programs for students and faculty who demonstrate a commitment to working with underrepresented or disadvantaged populations. The partnerships, funded by the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), help increase the pipeline of talented and culturally-sensitive investigators in the field of health disparities research.

As one of the longest-standing services of the MHERC, the RRSF provides a recruitment infrastructure for investigators that includes participant recruitment and retention, data collection services, customized survey modules, reporting, and more. With over 150,000 enrolled participants, the RRSF has a history of supporting health disparities and health equity research in studies and clinical trials. Learn more about how the RRSF can provide its cost-effective, centralized service to researchers throughout UAB https://go.uab.edu/411G7yG

?? Join Us for Harlem in the 'Ham! ?? We are thrilled to invite you to Harlem in the 'Ham, a 1920s-themed night of fun and fundraising hosted by the UAB MHERC Young Professionals Board. This event will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 7:00 – 11:00 PM. By sponsoring Harlem in the 'Ham, you will: ? Support a Great Cause: All proceeds benefit Healthy Happy Kids, MHERC’s childhood obesity prevention program. ? Gain Visibility: Showcase your brand to a range of young professionals, business leaders, and community members. ?Make an Impact: Help children in our community learn healthy living skills and combat obesity-related diseases. Your sponsorship can make a significant difference. Join us in creating a healthier future for our children. For more details on sponsorship levels and benefits, visit our website: https://bit.ly/4e2gKRy

The MHERC and its members are continually working to uncover the social, behavioral, and biological mechanisms behind health disparities. Our multidisciplinary research program connects investigators from various fields, providing the tools and resources needed to drive impactful health equity interventions. Through research, we develop strategies that advance health knowledge and equity across our city, state, nation, and the world. https://bit.ly/4e65PVO

Today, we spotlight our Community Engagement Director, Tiffany Osborne. Tiffany and her team are dedicated to cultivating and sustaining nearly 200 partnerships and collaborations at the MHERC. Her efforts range from connecting researchers with community and academic partners to convening and managing community advisory boards. She believes in "moving at the speed of trust" which is evident in her unwavering commitment to fostering these vital relationships. Please join us in recognizing Tiffany’s remarkable contributions to the MHERC ?? ??

Nurturing the next generation of health disparity researchers is critical for achieving our long-term goals. Our training programs are designed to help equip students, early-career investigators, and established professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers. Our Training Services Include: ?? Health Equity Research Training for Post-Doctoral Fellows & Early Career Faculty ?? Undergraduate Training Programs ?? Mentoring and Mentorship Matching By providing comprehensive training and mentorship, we are fostering a new generation of researchers who will continue the legacy of striving for health equity. https://bit.ly/4f4DFeT

At the UAB MHERC, we provide a wide range of research services designed to support and advance health equity research. Our services include: ?? General Health Equity/Health Disparities Research Consultation ?? Identifying Funding Opportunities ?? Research Collaborator Linkage ??Resource and Measurement Tool Linkage ??Health Equity Pilot Project Opportunities ??Educational Seminars These services are integral to our mission of generating and disseminating research knowledge to reduce health disparities and promote health equity. By supporting researchers at every stage, we aim to foster high-quality, impactful research that can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.

??? FIRST Scientist Friday ??? Meet Dr. Nashira Brown, Ph.D. After unexpectedly losing her father to a heart transplant rejection during her senior year of high school, and then her grandmother to a second cancer diagnosis a few years later, Brown's interest in supporting those with chronic disease and cancer survivors was ignited. Read more about her journey to becoming a Benjamin Carver FIRST Scientist: https://lnkd.in/etz8twaP

We recently hosted the Community Health Working Group Kickoff Event for Alabama CEAL for Healthy Communities. This exciting initiative aims to tackle chronic diseases by breaking down social determinants of health barriers in underserved communities. It was great to see community members, faculty, and staff come together to connect and strategize for the 4-year journey ahead. Read more about the grant: https://bit.ly/459jp81

Are you an investigator looking for additional validated social determinants of health instruments and measures? This toolkit is for you. The SDH Toolkit provides scales, indices, and instruments to measure various individual- and area-level social determinants of health that are aligned with the NIH SDOH Research Coordinating Committee and the WHO SDOH Framework. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hlJgzh