Media Advisory: UB workshop invites public to help initiate community-based health research

WHAT: A free public workshop sponsored by the University at Buffalo Civic Engagement and Public Policy (CEPP) Research Initiative. Participants will propose and discuss new community-based participatory research projects to improve health in Buffalo and Western New York.

WHO:  Members of the community, nonprofits, UB students and faculty members.

WHEN: Friday, May 17, 9-11 a.m.
WHERE: UB’s Downtown Gateway (the former M. Wile building), Room 208, 77 Goodell St., Buffalo.  On-site contact: Laura Mangan, 716-645-5376, Lmangan@buffalo.edu

PROGRAM:

• The workshop will introduce the concept of community-based participatory research and discuss prior successful Western New York projects designed and conducted by UB faculty members, students, community partners. 
• An address and discussion,  “Community-Based Participatory Research and Asset-Based Community Development” led by Deborah Puntenney, associate director, Asset-Based Community Development Institute, and research associate professor, Northwestern University.

The community-based participatory research (CBCR) movement develops projects to, for example, determine causes of specific illnesses, assess community organizing and policy advocacy on environmental justice, prevent lead exposure among children, help promote the transitioning of disabled people out of nursing homes and into the community and hundreds of other projects that have benefited communities in Western New York and throughout the country.

The CBPR process begins with the selection of a research topic of importance to the community. It aims to combine knowledge with action to achieve social change that will improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparities. It is an approach to research that equitably involves all partners in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings.