“Social Network Intervention for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Among Hispanic and Somali Adults: A Cluster Randomized Trial”
Immigrants to the United States often face challenges from limited healthcare access and less healthy environments which contribute to rising obesity and cardiovascular risk. Social network interventions, where social networks (for example, friends and family) are used to promote positive behavior change, are a promising approach to improve health outcomes among difficult to reach populations. In this study, a social network intervention was conducted where 51 lay health promoters from Hispanic and Somali immigrant groups delivered a health promotion program to up to 12 members of their social networks for a total of 475 participants. Social networks were randomly assigned to receive the intervention immediately or after a delay of 1 year. Measurements were done at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, and included measures of cardiovascular risk and weight. Compared with the delayed intervention group, participants in the early intervention groups showed a modest improvement of cardiovascular risk and clinically significant weight loss, suggesting that social network interventions hold promise in reducing the rise of obesity and cardiovascular risk accumulation after immigration.
“We are all Human Beings That Deserve the Same Opportunities as Everyone Else”: Immigrant Perspectives on Health in Southeast Minnesota: A Photovoice Study
Using a Photovoice approach grounded in community-based participatory research and Public Health Critical Race Praxis, RHCP partnered with 14 Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrant health promoters in Southeast Minnesota to document community assets, barriers, and health priorities. Through photographs and guided group reflection, participants shared lived experiences related to making healthy choices, maintaining cultural identity and inclusion, and accessing opportunity.
Self-Efficacy Is Associated with Health Behaviors Related To Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Among Hispanic/Latinx and Somali Immigrants To the United States
Self-efficacy, or confidence in performing health behaviors, was examined among 450 Hispanic/Latinx and Somali adults enrolled in the Healthy Immigrant Community project in southeastern Minnesota. Participants completed baseline assessments of confidence for healthy eating and physical activity, along with dietary intake, physical activity, and biometric measures.
Keeping the FAITH!: Psychosocial Factors and Healthy Lifestyle Among African-Americans During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, FAITH!—a community-academic partnership with African American churches—surveyed 169 African American adults in Minnesota to understand how pandemic-related stressors affected their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Over half of respondents reported difficulty staying healthy, which was strongly linked to mental health challenges like stress, depression, anxiety, and anger.
Current Concepts in the Management of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health challenge, especially in low-income countries. It spreads through airborne droplets and can affect any organ, though the lungs are most commonly involved. People with weakened immune systems—such as those with HIV, diabetes, or malnutrition—are at higher risk of developing active TB.
The Association Between Perceived Discrimination, Age and Proportion of Lifetime in the United States Among Somali Immigrants: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
RHCP conducted a survey with Somali immigrants in Southeast Minnesota to explore how age and time spent in the U.S. relate to experiences of discrimination. Using the Everyday Discrimination Scale, they found that younger adults (ages 18–40) reported more frequent and chronic discrimination than older adults. Men and those with higher education or mid-range incomes also reported more discrimination.
A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis Exploring Hispanic/Latino and Somali Immigrant Health Promoters' Perspectives on a Social Network Intervention to Address Cardiovascular Disease Disparities
RHCP worked with Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrant leaders to implement a social network–based health program called Healthy Immigrant Community (HIC). Health promoters (HPs) led sessions focused on improving diet and physical activity to reduce heart disease risk. Over time, HPs shifted their focus from weight loss to broader goals like overall health and community well-being.
Body Size Perceptions Associated with Body Mass Index and Weight Loss Intentions Among Two Immigrant Populations
RHCP surveyed over 1,200 Hispanic and Somali immigrant adults in Southeast Minnesota to better understand how people perceive their own body size and weight, and how those perceptions relate to their intentions to lose weight. While many participants had a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese range, fewer identified themselves as such.
Digital Storytelling Interventions to Promote Cancer Screening Among Hispanic/Latino Adults in Primary Care Settings
RHCP developed a digital storytelling project called Stories for Change: La detección temprana puede salvar vidas to encourage cancer screening among Hispanic/Latino adults who were overdue for breast, cervical, or colorectal screenings. Eight storytellers shared personal experiences in short Spanish-language videos, which were shown to 51 participants across three clinical sites.
Evaluation of a Photovoice Exhibit About Immigrant Health Priorities in Southeast Minnesota
RHCP collaborated with Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrant leaders in Southeast Minnesota to create a photovoice exhibit that highlighted community health priorities. Participants took photos representing their concerns, discussed themes, and developed policy recommendations. These were shared at a public event and a rotating exhibit in 2024, reaching over 100 attendees including decision-makers, community members, and researchers.
Exploring Factors Impacting Hispanic/Latinx Individuals' Response to a Type 2 Diabetes Digital Storytelling Intervention
RHCP developed a culturally tailored digital storytelling intervention called Stories for Change (S4C) to support Hispanic/Latinx adults with type 2 diabetes. The intervention featured short, Spanish-language videos created by individuals with lived experience managing diabetes. These stories aimed to inspire viewers to adopt healthier behaviors.
Digital Storytelling Intervention for Hemoglobin A1c Control Among Hispanic Adults With Type 2 Diabetes A Randomized Clinical Trial
A digital storytelling video created by RHCP was tested to help Hispanic adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes improve their health. The video featured four personal stories in Spanish that focused on key diabetes self-care behaviors: healthy eating, physical activity, medication use, and blood sugar monitoring. Participants who watched the video reported feeling more confident and motivated to manage their diabetes.
Negative Mood is Associated with Sociobehavioral Factors Contributing to Cardiovascular Risk in an Immigrant Population
Among Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrants in southeast Minnesota, those who reported feeling down or in a negative mood were more likely to face challenges with healthy eating, physical activity, and feeling connected to their communities. These individuals tended to eat fewer fruits and vegetables, drink more sugary beverages, and had lower confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Healthy Immigrant Community Study Protocol: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Social Network Intervention for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Among Hispanic and Somali Adults
The Healthy Immigrant Community (HIC) project is a community-driven health initiative developed by RHCP to reduce cardiovascular risks among Hispanic and Somali adults in Minnesota. The program uses a social network approach, where trained health promoters from each community lead group sessions focused on improving diet, physical activity, and overall wellness.
Development of a Digital Storytelling Intervention to Increase Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Hispanic/Latino Community: a Qualitative Evaluation
To help improve cancer screening rates among Hispanic/Latino communities in Minnesota, RHCP partnered with StoryCenter to create a digital storytelling workshop called Stories for Change. Eight participants—cancer survivors, co-survivors, and recently screened individuals—shared personal stories about breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer.
Addressing COVID-19 Inequities Using Bidirectional Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication and Vaccine Clinic Interventions: A Descriptive Study
To address COVID-19 disparities among immigrant and refugee communities in Southeast Minnesota, RHCP developed a two-part intervention: a bidirectional communication strategy and community-based vaccine clinics. Trusted community members, called Communication Leaders, shared culturally adapted health messages through social media and gathered feedback from their networks.
Adaptation of a Bidirectional Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Framework by Community-Engaged Research Partnerships in Rural Mississippi During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A community-academic partnership adapted a successful COVID-19 communication model originally developed by RHCP in Minnesota to support rural African American communities in Mississippi. The intervention focused on building trust and delivering culturally relevant health messages through local Communication Leaders—trusted individuals with strong social ties.
Rochester Healthy Community Partnership: Then and now
RHCP began in 2004 as a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and an adult education center in Rochester, Minnesota, aiming to address health concerns among immigrant and refugee communities. What started as a response to tuberculosis stigma and low screening rates evolved into a long-term partnership grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR).
Stories for Change Protocol: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Digital Storytelling Workshop Intervention for Hispanic/Latino with Type 2 Diabetes
To address the high rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Hispanic/Latino adults, RHCP and its partners developed a culturally tailored digital storytelling intervention called Stories for Change (S4C). This project used a randomized controlled trial to test whether personal stories shared through video could improve diabetes self-management.
The Use of Digital Stories As a Health Promotion Intervention: A Scoping Review
Digital storytelling (DST) is a creative method used to promote health by sharing personal experiences through short videos. These stories are crafted by individuals affected by health issues and are often used to raise awareness, spark conversations, and encourage behavior change among viewers. A review of ten studies using DST found that these interventions addressed a wide range of health concerns—from diabetes and cancer to HIV and food insecurity—and were implemented across diverse communities and settings.