Community Coalition for Equity in Research
Overview
Far too often, community members and organizations are approached for feedback or involvement in research long after planning begins. This limits the impact that community-based insight and expertise can have, and prevents the development of trust-based, respectful relationships between researchers and community organizations and members. This issue has become more apparent than ever amidst the rapid pace of research surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Harvard Catalyst Community Engagement program has developed the Community Coalition for Equity in Research to address this problem. To this end, we serve as both a source for high-quality community input on research proposals and protocols, as well as a trusted communication channel between researchers and community stakeholders. The overarching goals of the coalition are to build community voice and considerations for health equity into clinical research and strengthen community-academic relationships throughout Massachusetts.
Please email community@catalyst.harvard.edu if you are interested in having your research study reviewed by our coalition.
The Community Coalition for Equity in Research is funded, in part, by a gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
Inside the Community Coalition
Watch this video to learn more about the coalition team and its work.