The Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, through its Community Outreach Core led by Director Tamara Horn, will sustainably and reciprocally implement effective community outreach and engagement strategies to improve population health through scientific research. In our community outreach efforts, we aim to help communities by listening to their health needs, addressing health disparities, and assisting them with support and resolutions.
For the past 35 years, we have focused on improving knowledge, education and access to preventive health services and treatments, and cultural competency for the care of minority populations through community-based participatory research and partnering directly with key, trusted community organizations and stakeholders.
The significance of partnering with communities to promote the conduct of relevant research with high community impact is well recognized and documented. Our partners help us in many ways, especially in our recruitment and community outreach efforts to diverse populations. Because of this significance, the Institute for Health aims to sustain and reciprocate the elements of our valued partnerships.
The Institute partners with numerous organizations in New Jersey and across the United States to work to improve population health in synchrony. There are several ways you can partner with us, including participating in one of our collaborative efforts:
The Asian Health Collaborative consists of partners who work to promote well-being and improve health quality for Asian communities of all ethnicities. This collaborative meets bi-monthly and serves as a platform for members to: increase the visibility of their work across professional sectors, receive feedback on specific cultural considerations, and provide opportunities to build mutual benefits cross the state.
Seniors and Research is a diverse group of referred community members of ages 55 and over who live in the Greater New Brunswick Area, and people who work with them. The group meets monthly to plan special public events for seniors and provides networking opportunities and resources to support their health. All members work together to encourage research participation to support healthy aging.
Our Regional Community Advisory Boards are currently recruiting members. We are seeking individuals who are identified as community organizers, advocates and/or leaders to serve on one of three Regional Community Advisory Boards (Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey). Our boards meet bi-monthly and will be instrumental in supporting community outreach and recruitment efforts to support research initiatives that aim to improve health and well-being and address disparities in NJ populations. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our boards, please complete this form. (https://go.rutgers.edu/RCABreferral).
The Institute for Health is working with community organizations throughout the state that serve diverse populations to host town halls, community forums, focus groups, and health fairs. These events provide resourceful, engaging dialogue to support community health. Email community@ifh.rutgers.edu for more information.