The 2023 Health Equity Research Intensive (HERI) is coming soon!
HERI helps participants build the skills they need to do research with an equity lens. The program offers a variety of sessions over multiple days. Some sessions are foundational, helping researchers prepare their soil and sow seeds. Some present applications so researchers can grow and sustain equity in their work.
All sessions share a common goal: centering communities. All presenters share a common goal, too: sharing their expertise. And hearing the expertise participants bring with them.
Still not sure if HERI is for you? Hear from just a few of our presenters to learn more about how HERI can support your health equity research goals.
Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) 101
Josephine McKelvy and Shelly Maras will present a 101 session on community-based participatory research (CBPR). CBPR is foundational to health equity work. “It’s a powerful tool for increasing health equity in underserved communities,” Maras said. That’s “because it center community knowledge and needs throughout the entire research process.”
The session will cover what CBPR is, including main principles.
“Our presentation will help researchers consider ways to empower community members in research partnerships,” McKelvy said. Maras added that they’ll provide CBPR examples. And participants will actively apply CBPR principles to real-life examples.
This session is all about establishing strong roots in fertile soil.
McKelvy and Maras shared what they’re most excited about: learning with and from HERI participants!
SEE CBPR SESSION INFOCommunity-Clinic Linked Groundwater Approach to Addressing Integrated Needs of Patients in North Carolina
Community-based participatory research is one core part of health equity research. Another is understanding how systems impact health.
Gaurav Dave will present a case study with three areas of focus:
- The groundwater approach. “Things are percolating at the structural level. If you don’t intervene at the structural level, you’re not going to be successful,” according to Dave. He added, “It’s almost like a fix that will fail.”
- How to address health equity research challenges.
- What else researchers can keep in mind. Dave said, “Meaning: how can we amplify the work that we do by engaging our community partners, most importantly in the design and implementation of the research itself.”
Dave’s session is for researchers in almost any area. He’s preparing to share “a framework they could espouse in their work,” whether they’re doing “basic, population, lab-based, clinical science.”
Dave is excited about the possibilities that could come from his session. “I’m excited that it might inspire a few people to work with us [CHER]. Collaborate with us. And I’m excited about, you know, just the reaction of the audience – hopefully positive,” he said.
SEE GROUNDWATER SESSION INFOCommunicating Health Equity Research Effectively
In a new topic area for HERI, Marie Hebert will present on all things health equity communications. Their focus is on “research-based ways to increase support for initiatives and policies,” they said.
There are a lot of parts to effective communication. This session will present two related approaches: science communication and framing.
Hebert said, “With a strong foundation in health equity communications, researchers will be equipped to share about their projects and impacts in a way that strengthens support for health equity work.”
The session will include hands-on activities and from-the-headlines examples.
Hebert shared their excitement. “I love communications and I’m excited to share research-based best practices. I want to help researchers share their hard work with the widest possible audience in a way that increases support for health equity,” they said.
SEE COMMS SESSION INFOMore HERI sessions
This is just a sample of HERI sessions. Explore the full schedule and discover sessions that will help you start, grow or sustain your health equity work.
EXPLORE HERI AND REGISTER