Center for Translational Research in Health Disparities

Abstract The Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) since its inception has been dedicated to addressing the health needs of people of color, as well as underserved urban and rural populations both in Georgia and across the nation. Embedded in the MSM mission is the improvement of the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities; increasing the diversity of the medical, scientific, and public health workforce; and addressing primary healthcare needs through programs in education, research, and service. The MSM proposes a novel Center for Translational Research in Health Disparities (CTRHD) which comprises seven integrated components, including four cores and three specific research projects. The Research Capacity Core (RCC) will enhance our behavioral and population/ health services research and outreach capabilities. The RCC will continue to leverage resources at other NIH-funded Centers, both in Georgia and across the nation. The Investigator Development Core (IDC) will provide pilot funding with special emphasis on minority health and health disparity projects from junior and early-stage investigators. In addition, the IDC will coordinate with the Administrative Core (Admin Core) and the Community Engagement Core (CEC) to continue to train basic scientists to engage in community engagement in multidisciplinary translational research teams (MDTTs). The Admin Core/IDC/CEC will provide a robust mentoring plan and a range of supplementary activities (seminars, grant application workshops/writing programs, and retreats) to ensure investigator success. The Community Engagement Core (CEC) will guide all CTRHD community engagement practices and develop sustainable relationships with community partners based on the Morehouse Model. In addition, the CEC will catalyze meaningful community-engaged research by offering consultation studios and workshops. The RCC will assist in the management of a Mobile Health Unity (Mobile Health Equity Unit) and coordinate with the CEC, IDC, full projects, and other MSM researchers. The following specific aims of the U54 CTRHD will be pursued as outlined: AIM 1: Enhance multidisciplinary health disparities research with innovative approaches and support mechanisms through a restructured Research Capacity Core (RCC); AIM 2: Increase and prepare all investigators (especially early-stage researchers) to become extramurally -funded health disparities researchers through IDC, CEC and RCC activities; and AIM 4: Expand the Community Engagement Core (CEC) by fostering existing and strengthening new sustainable relationships with community-based organizations (CBO), establishing a community network in rural Georgia.