Written by Kim Furlow, communications manager for the Institute for Public Health
The Center for Community Health Partnership & Research at the Institute for Public Health will present the final two installments in its Collaborative Café series on health equity and research. Here are some details on these informative events and two panelists weigh in on why it is important to attend.
Researching Equity
June 10 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | REGISTER
Audiences will learn more about the importance of research and discovering knowledge gaps when studying health disparities; adding a community engagement component to research; and, examining best practices in researching socioeconomic, health, racial, gender and other disparities. The discussion includes highlights of equity research projects at WashU and in St. Louis.
Panelists:
Tyriesa Howard Howell, PhD, LMSW, assistant professor, Brown School
Darrell Hudson, PhD, MPH, associate professor, Brown School
Ciearra Walker, MPH, St. Louis Community Health Worker Coalition
Panelist Tyriesa Howard Howell will address ethics as the impetus and foundation for equity in research. “It is imperative to recognize and acknowledge that inequities are often rooted in histories of unethical practices that continue to manifest as negative health outcomes,” said Howell.
If we are to ever achieve equitable research, we must be intentional about unearthing the general premise of inequities, that being, unethical practice.
Tyriesa Howard Howell, PhD, LMSW, assistant professor
Professor Howell adds that key takeaways from the event include, “an overview of unethical research practices that have shaped the context of contemporary challenges in achieving equity in research followed by tangible strategies for improved equity in research practice.”
Equity Research Implications for Health Care Policy, Access and Delivery
June 24 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | REGISTER
Audiences will learn about current focus areas and gaps among equity work in policy and health care; why equity-focused research design and data are important to good policy-making and service delivery; ways to turn data into equity-centered policy recommendations and action; and, how to work collaboratively with our community to disseminate data and work toward systemic changes.
Panelists:
Cory Bradley, PhD, MSW, MPH, postdoctoral research associate, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine
Karen Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH, associate professor, Washington University School of Medicine
Riisa Rawlins, MSW, chief operations and strategy officer, St. Louis Regional Health Commission
Panelist Riisa Rawlins cites a growing body of evidence demonstrating that “the underlying social, systemic and policy-based causes of inequities must be attended to, along with inequity in access and experience, in order to effectively influence individuals, community and population-level health.” Rawlins will focus on “deep, intersectional collaboration”, which she says is essential for tackling the issue of health injustice. The discussion will also explore a “multifaceted approach to a more thoughtful, creative, yet efficient solution process that facilitates early identification of potential barriers and effective solutions while creating a common understanding and shared ownership of both process and outcome.”
If we are to improve population outcomes in meaningful and sustainable ways, it is critical to address both interpersonal and systemic factors with equity as a central driver to any healthcare access, delivery and policy improvement effort.
Rissa Rawlins, MSW, chief operations and strategy officer, St. Louis Regional Health Commission
Collaborative Café is hosted by the Center for Community Health Partnership & Research at the Institute for Public Health and Institute of Clinical & Translational Sciences. The series offers opportunities for researchers and community partners to network, share experiences, and learn from each other.