COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Engagement
For general inquiries about Community Engagement, please contact:
- Leah Gregory M.P.H., M.S.W.
- 1 (804) 628-7623
- gregorylh@vcu.edu
Human health research relies on input from external collaborators to enhance research relevance and applicability. The Wright Center plays an essential role in coordinating research collaborations between academic teams and external organizations, contributing to advancements in public health research. The center leverages existing expertise in multidisciplinary research coordination to involve external participants throughout all research phases and foster connections between researchers and the broader public.. In collaboration with VCU’s external relations initiatives, Wright Center researchers coordinate university-led research activities to work with external organizations and strengthen operational networks.
The Greater Richmond Research Advisory Board facilitates collaboration between researchers and public representatives to improve research planning and implementation strategies. The board provides guidance in aligning research initiatives with regional research priorities and operational goals.
The Wright Center provides funding for small-scale, short-term collaborative research projects. Mini-grants support initiatives related to clinical research that foster operational collaboration between external organizations and VCU researchers to address specific research objectives..
ACORN
The Virginia Ambulatory Care Outcomes Research Network, or ACORN, is a partnership between primary care practices and a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the VCU Department of Family Medicine and Population Health. ACORN focuses on advancing primary care research and enhancing care delivery processes through evidence-based research methodologies. Several ACORN leaders are supported by the Wright Center.
Engaging Richmond
Engaging Richmond is a collaborative project involving VCU researchers and public participants.
Since the project's inception in 2011, members of the Engaging Richmond team have used mixed-methods research to examine external factors impacting health outcomes. Engaging Richmond is a collaborative project involving VCU researchers and public participants.
Needs Assessment Database
The Wright Center is developing a comprehensive database to compile reports and assessments from across Virginia. This resource will provide researchers and institutional partners with streamlined access to a cataloged repository of statewide and regional research needs, supporting data-driven project planning and enhancing research efficiency. By consolidating these materials, the database will assist research teams in identifying existing data sources and aligning their projects with documented public health priorities..
The Wright Center provides visualization tools for researchers to analyze demographic, healthcare, workforce, and outcomes data across Virginia through maps, graphs, and downloadable datasets. Users can map multiple variables in one map or view maps side-by-side.
StoryMap
This project utilizes oral history techniques and data visualizations to document contributions from public participants in research activities.. Hear and see the work that advocates are doing throughout Richmond.
Community Engagement Consulting
The Wright Center provides research consulting services to assist researchers and external collaborators in strategic planning and project execution.. Consultants help with strategic planning, community engagement, research models and participant recruitment. Contact Leah Gregory if you would like to request a consultation.
All Payer Claims Data
Researchers and external organizations may request data from the Virginia All Payer Claims Data.. The data includes longitudinal claims since 2016 that can be linked to community metrics on socio-ecological factors. It is useful for understanding the delivery of care in Virginia and its impact on community health. Analytic support to use the data is also available. If you are interested in requesting data, please submit a ticket here.
This book by Emily Zimmerman, Ph.D., is a comprehensive resource on public-participation research methodologies..
Wright Center Community Engaged Research Seminar Series
The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research provides professional development support to early career faculty. In 2020 and 2021 the center offered a three-part Community Engaged Research (CEnR) Seminar Series, allowing VCU junior faculty and researchers to receive training in CEnR – to help them apply the principles of CEnR to their own clinical and translational research.
The goal of the CEnR Seminar Series is to increase the number of VCU junior faculty and researchers who comprehend CEnR and apply CEnR approaches to their research context. Faculty will be able to:
- Explain and recognize the what of and why of CEnR
- Outline how to develop and sustain CEnR relationships via engagement, strengthening procedural transparency, and aligning with procedural transparency and priorities
- Consider and analyze ethical and practical implications of CEnR
Kaltura Channel Videos
The Richmond Cemetery Collaboratory: Reflections on Cultivating Longterm University and Community Partnerships
Building and Maintaining Trust with Community Partners and Collaborators with Emily Z. (Webinar)/
Ethical and Practical Consideration in Community-engaged Research
Participants will be introduced to multiple practical considerations for conducting CEnR. In addition, students will be provided with strategies for training and educating local stakeholders in research.
The learning outcomes for this seminar are:
- Explain how to share and disseminate the research process and findings
- Describe the recruitment and informed consent process
- Identify practical considerations to the design, review, and conduct of CEnR
- Analyze the risks, benefits, and impact on individual research participants
- Name strategies for training and educating local stakeholders on a research team
Developing and Sustaining CEnR Relationships
Participants are introduced to the importance of supporting local projects aligned with institutional research priorities. We will discuss strategies on how to coordinate with local partners as needed t o support research goals . Students will also learn ways to sustain long-term community engagement through information sharing and dissemination of research.
Learning Outcomes
- Outline ways to approach local partners about research ideas and projects
- Develop strategies for facilitate communication and transparency stakeholders and participants
- Define levels of involvement
- Describe how to set mutual priorities and goals
Introduction to Community Engaged Research
Participants are introduced to the conditions and contexts for Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) while exploring the fundamental principles and approaches of CEnR and the skills needed to work with local stakeholders and organizations.
Learning Objectives
- Define Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) and describe its distinctions from traditional research
- Explain the rationale for CEnR
- Discuss the structure and function of CEnR
- Explain how to incorporate stakeholder-informed research methodology
- Discuss the benefits of various CEnR approaches