Pilot Social Network Weight Loss Intervention With Two Immigrant Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RHCP piloted a weight loss program for Somali and Hispanic immigrant communities in southeastern Minnesota. Lay health promoters from each community led small social network groups through a 12-week intervention focused on improving diet, physical activity, and overall health.
American Journal of Health Promotion 2022
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RHCP piloted a weight loss program for Somali and Hispanic immigrant communities in southeastern Minnesota. Lay health promoters from each community led small social network groups through a 12-week intervention focused on improving diet, physical activity, and overall health. The program began with in-person sessions but quickly shifted to virtual formats due to pandemic restrictions. Despite the change, all 39 participants completed the program, showing strong engagement and trust in their group leaders. Participants reported feeling more motivated and confident in making healthy choices, and they appreciated the culturally tailored support and peer accountability.
The intervention led to measurable health improvements, including weight loss, lower blood pressure, and better cholesterol levels. Participants also increased their intake of fruits and vegetables and doubled their physical activity. Focus groups revealed that shared language, cultural understanding, and strong social connections were key to the program’s success. Challenges included time constraints, cultural expectations around food, and adapting to virtual formats. Still, the program’s flexibility and emphasis on social support helped overcome these barriers. The pilot suggests that using trusted community members to lead health interventions within existing social networks is a promising strategy for promoting wellness in immigrant populations.
Community-Engaged Bidirectional Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication With Immigrant and Refugee Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RHCP adapted a crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) framework to support immigrant and refugee communities in southeast Minnesota. Communication leaders from six ethnic groups delivered messages in seven languages using platforms like social media, phone calls, and texts.
SAGE Publishing and Public Health Reports 2022
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RHCP adapted a crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) framework to support immigrant and refugee communities in southeast Minnesota. Communication leaders from six ethnic groups delivered messages in seven languages using platforms like social media, phone calls, and texts. These messages focused on prevention, testing, and the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. Leaders also gathered feedback from their communities, which helped refine messages and inform local policies. Over nine months, the intervention reached nearly 40,000 people and was seen as credible, timely, and culturally relevant.
The program’s success was rooted in trust, collaboration, and real-time responsiveness. Communication leaders felt empowered and supported, and their efforts led to tangible changes, such as improved access to resources and adjustments to regional health policies. RHCP’s long-standing partnership and commitment to community engagement made the intervention sustainable beyond initial funding. The experience showed that bidirectional communication—where information flows both to and from communities—is essential for effective public health messaging, especially in times of crisis.
Outcomes of a Community-Based Participatory Research Partnership Self-Evaluation: The Rochester Healthy Community Partnership Experience
RHCP conducted a comprehensive self-evaluation to assess the strength and sustainability of its long-standing community-academic partnership. Using a mix of interviews, surveys, and group discussions, members reflected on the partnership’s history, values, and practices. They found that shared goals, trust, and open communication were key to their success.
Progress in Community Health Partnership Summer 2021
RHCP conducted a comprehensive self-evaluation to assess the strength and sustainability of its long-standing community-academic partnership. Using a mix of interviews, surveys, and group discussions, members reflected on the partnership’s history, values, and practices. They found that shared goals, trust, and open communication were key to their success. Community partners played central roles in shaping research priorities and implementing projects, and both academic and community members reported personal growth and stronger relationships through their involvement.
The evaluation revealed that RHCP has made a meaningful impact at multiple levels—personal, community, organizational, and policy. Projects led by RHCP have improved health outcomes, built research capacity, and shifted perceptions of institutions like Mayo Clinic. However, concerns about sustainability and volunteer burnout were common. Partners agreed that long-term infrastructure is needed to support RHCP’s expanding work, but they also recognized the challenge of maintaining autonomy while seeking institutional support. The evaluation process itself was seen as valuable, offering insights to guide future planning and strengthen the partnership’s foundation.
An Assessment of Health Priorities Among a Community Sample of Somali Adults.
A large survey of Somali adults in Minnesota revealed that chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are top health concerns for both individuals and the broader community. Participants also emphasized the importance of health behaviors, especially diet and exercise, over infectious diseases.
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Mar 2021
A large survey of Somali adults in Minnesota revealed that chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are top health concerns for both individuals and the broader community. Participants also emphasized the importance of health behaviors, especially diet and exercise, over infectious diseases. These findings contrast with earlier research that focused more on communicable diseases, highlighting the need to shift attention toward non-communicable conditions that are increasingly affecting Somali immigrants.
The study was led by RHCP using a community-based participatory research approach, ensuring Somali community members were involved throughout the process. The results show a strong overlap between personal and community health priorities, suggesting shared concerns and experiences. Mental health and substance use were noted as more pressing issues for the community than for individuals, possibly due to stigma. The findings underscore the importance of culturally tailored health interventions that address chronic disease prevention and promote healthy lifestyles in immigrant communities.
Community-Engaged Approaches for Minority Recruitment Into Clinical Research: A Scoping Review of the Literature.
Efforts to increase participation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical research have long faced challenges, despite federal mandates and comparable willingness among these groups to participate. A scoping review of 66 studies revealed that community-engaged research (CEnR) strategies—ranging from simply informing communities to full co-leadership—can improve recruitment outcomes.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings Mar 2021
Efforts to increase participation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical research have long faced challenges, despite federal mandates and comparable willingness among these groups to participate. A scoping review of 66 studies revealed that community-engaged research (CEnR) strategies—ranging from simply informing communities to full co-leadership—can improve recruitment outcomes. Most studies used descriptive methods and involved community advisory boards (CABs) to guide recruitment efforts. These boards often included trusted local leaders and members of the target population, helping to build trust and tailor outreach strategies to cultural and contextual needs.
While the review found a wide range of successful engagement practices, it also highlighted a lack of comparative studies evaluating which strategies work best. Many efforts operated at lower levels of engagement, such as informing or consulting, which may limit community influence over research decisions. In contrast, higher levels of engagement—like collaboration and co-leadership—were associated with stronger trust, sustainable partnerships, and more effective recruitment. The findings suggest that meaningful community involvement is key to improving equity in research participation, but more rigorous studies are needed to determine the most effective approaches.
Lay Health Worker as Interventionist Training: Reflective Writing in US Family Health Promotion Practice.
Lay health workers from immigrant and refugee communities in Rochester were trained to deliver a family-based nutrition and physical activity program through RHCP. These Family Health Promoters (FHPs) worked directly with families to set small, meaningful health goals, adapting their approach to each family's unique needs and circumstances.
Health Promotion International Feb 2021
Lay health workers from immigrant and refugee communities in Rochester were trained to deliver a family-based nutrition and physical activity program through RHCP. These Family Health Promoters (FHPs) worked directly with families to set small, meaningful health goals, adapting their approach to each family's unique needs and circumstances. Their reflections showed that they used motivational interviewing techniques, respected cultural differences, and tailored lesson content to fit real-life situations. The intervention emphasized building trust and supporting behavior change through flexible, family-centered communication.
As the FHPs gained experience, they reported personal growth and a deeper connection to their work. They became more confident, patient, and emotionally invested in helping families improve their health. Their reflections revealed that the relationships they built were central to their success and transformation. This process evaluation highlights how real-time reflective writing can enhance training and support for lay health workers, offering valuable insights for future health promotion programs in diverse communities.
The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the United States.
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on racial and ethnic minority communities in the U.S., including African American, LatinX, and Native American populations. These groups have experienced significantly higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death compared to white populations. The disparities stem from a combination of biomedical factors—such as higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension—and social determinants of health, including poverty, limited access to healthcare, and unsafe working and living conditions.
Clinical Infectious Diseases Feb 2021
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on racial and ethnic minority communities in the U.S., including African American, LatinX, and Native American populations. These groups have experienced significantly higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death compared to white populations. The disparities stem from a combination of biomedical factors—such as higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension—and social determinants of health, including poverty, limited access to healthcare, and unsafe working and living conditions. Many minorities work in essential jobs without the option to work remotely or access to paid sick leave, increasing their exposure to the virus.
Beyond individual health risks, structural racism plays a major role in these disparities. Historical policies like redlining and ongoing inequities in housing, employment, and healthcare access have created environments that make it harder for minority communities to stay healthy. Clinicians are encouraged to provide equitable care, advocate for systemic change, and build partnerships with community organizations to support vulnerable populations. Addressing implicit bias and improving communication with marginalized groups are also key steps toward reducing health disparities and promoting long-term equity in healthcare.
Emergency Preparedness and Risk Communication Among African American Churches: Leveraging a Community-Based Participatory Research Partnership COVID-19 Initiative
To help African American communities during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FAITH! program partnered with 120 churches across Minnesota to share accurate health information and emergency resources. Using a framework from the CDC, they created a culturally tailored communication strategy that included daily Facebook posts and weekly emails.
Preventing Chronic Disease Dec 2020
To help African American communities during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FAITH! program partnered with 120 churches across Minnesota to share accurate health information and emergency resources. Using a framework from the CDC, they created a culturally tailored communication strategy that included daily Facebook posts and weekly emails. These messages covered spiritual and physical wellness, COVID-19 prevention, financial support, and social connection. The initiative reached over 6,500 people on Facebook and an estimated 12,000 through email, helping churches form emergency preparedness teams and distribute trusted information quickly.
Church leaders and community messengers found the approach useful, empowering, and easy to manage. Interviews showed that the program improved emergency readiness and built trust in FAITH! as a reliable source. The effort also helped dispel myths and misinformation, especially through real-time updates and community feedback. By leveraging existing relationships and technology, the initiative demonstrated how academic-community partnerships can respond rapidly and effectively to public health crises in underserved populations.
Community Engagement With Vulnerable Populations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RHCP and other community-engaged research (CEnR) partnerships at Mayo Clinic worked to address the disproportionate impact of the virus on vulnerable populations, including immigrants, racial minorities, and those facing socioeconomic hardship. These groups experienced higher infection and death rates due to pre-existing health disparities, limited access to care, and structural barriers like crowded housing and unstable employment.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings Sept 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RHCP and other community-engaged research (CEnR) partnerships at Mayo Clinic worked to address the disproportionate impact of the virus on vulnerable populations, including immigrants, racial minorities, and those facing socioeconomic hardship. These groups experienced higher infection and death rates due to pre-existing health disparities, limited access to care, and structural barriers like crowded housing and unstable employment. RHCP adapted a crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) framework to co-create culturally relevant messaging and support systems in multiple languages, helping communities understand prevention, testing, and the broader effects of the pandemic.
Efforts included training communication leaders from diverse backgrounds, collaborating with faith-based organizations, and expanding testing access through trusted community networks. These initiatives highlighted the importance of trust, bidirectional communication, and rapid response. However, challenges such as limited telehealth infrastructure and paused engagement activities revealed gaps in preparedness. The experience underscored the need for sustained, multidisciplinary collaboration that centers community voices and removes structural barriers to health equity, not just during crises but as part of long-term public health strategy.
Facilitated Stories for Change: Digital Storytelling as a Tool for Engagement in Facilitated Discussion for Reduction of Diabetes-Related Health Disparities Among Rural Latino Patients With Diabetes
A group-based digital storytelling program was tested with Latino adults living in rural Minnesota to support better management of type 2 diabetes. Participants watched a 12-minute video featuring personal stories from others in their community who live with diabetes, followed by a guided discussion. The intervention was designed to be culturally relevant and grounded in narrative and social cognitive theory.
Journal of Transcultural Nursing SAGE 2020
A group-based digital storytelling program was tested with Latino adults living in rural Minnesota to support better management of type 2 diabetes. Participants watched a 12-minute video featuring personal stories from others in their community who live with diabetes, followed by a guided discussion. The intervention was designed to be culturally relevant and grounded in narrative and social cognitive theory. Participants reported feeling more motivated and confident about managing their diabetes after the session. They connected deeply with the storytellers and each other, sharing similar challenges and learning from one another’s experiences.
The format encouraged reflection, emotional engagement, and peer support, which helped reinforce key messages about healthy behaviors like medication adherence, diet, and exercise. Participants appreciated the opportunity to talk openly and suggested involving family members in future sessions to strengthen support at home. The intervention was rated highly for usefulness and interest, and all participants said they would recommend it to others. These findings suggest that combining storytelling with group discussion can be a powerful, scalable way to promote culturally congruent care and improve diabetes self-management in underserved communities.
Healthy Eating in a Boys and Girls Club Afterschool Programme: Barriers, Facilitators, and Opportunities
Children at the Boys & Girls Club in Rochester face significant challenges to healthy eating, with nearly half classified as overweight or obese and many falling short of basic nutrition guidelines. Through RHCP’s Club Fit initiative, youth, staff, and caregivers shared insights into barriers like limited access to fresh food, time constraints, and the appeal of junk food.
Health Education Journal Jul 2020
Children at the Boys & Girls Club in Rochester face significant challenges to healthy eating, with nearly half classified as overweight or obese and many falling short of basic nutrition guidelines. Through RHCP’s Club Fit initiative, youth, staff, and caregivers shared insights into barriers like limited access to fresh food, time constraints, and the appeal of junk food. Members described how stress, boredom, and lack of knowledge influenced their choices, while staff and caregivers pointed to affordability and availability issues. Despite these challenges, all groups expressed strong interest in promoting healthier habits and identified opportunities for change within the Club environment.
Suggestions from participants emphasized the importance of adult role modeling, structured nutrition programs, and engaging activities like gardening and cooking. Members wanted more variety and better presentation of healthy foods, while caregivers asked for practical support like recipes and communication about Club meals. Staff highlighted the need for resources and training to support nutrition education and family engagement. Together, these perspectives support a multi-layered approach to improving dietary habits, combining individual education, supportive relationships, and environmental changes to address health disparities among underserved youth.
Leveraging Community Engaged Research Partnerships for Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication to Vulnerable Populations in the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, RHCP launched a community-led communication effort to reach immigrant and refugee communities in Rochester, Minnesota. Recognizing that official health messages weren’t reaching people with limited English proficiency, RHCP worked with trusted community members—called Communication Leaders—to share accurate information in six languages.
Journal of Clinical and Translational Science May 2020
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, RHCP launched a community-led communication effort to reach immigrant and refugee communities in Rochester, Minnesota. Recognizing that official health messages weren’t reaching people with limited English proficiency, RHCP worked with trusted community members—called Communication Leaders—to share accurate information in six languages. These leaders used platforms like Facebook, phone calls, and messaging apps to deliver updates about COVID-19 prevention, testing, and social and economic impacts. In just 14 days, 24 Communication Leaders reached nearly 10,000 people, tailoring messages to their communities and gathering feedback to improve future communication.
The project’s success came from strong relationships, cultural understanding, and daily collaboration between community and academic partners. Communication Leaders felt empowered and found the messages relevant and helpful. Their feedback helped RHCP adjust messages in real time and connect people to resources like food and masks. The effort also influenced local health policies, such as testing procedures. This approach showed that when trusted community members lead the way, health messages can be more effective, especially in reaching vulnerable populations during a crisis.
Club Fit: Development of a Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Intervention at a Boys & Girls Club After School Program
Club Fit is a multi-component childhood obesity prevention initiative developed through a community-based participatory approach between the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester (BGCR) and RHCP. The program aimed to promote physical activity and healthy eating among socioeconomically diverse youth through five integrated strategies: policy implementation, structured health challenges, peer coaching, staff training, and social marketing.
Journal of Primary Prevention Apr 2020
Club Fit is a multi-component childhood obesity prevention initiative developed through a community-based participatory approach between the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester (BGCR) and RHCP. The program aimed to promote physical activity and healthy eating among socioeconomically diverse youth through five integrated strategies: policy implementation, structured health challenges, peer coaching, staff training, and social marketing. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory and the Social Ecological Model, these components targeted individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors influencing health behaviors. The pilot study involved 61 participants aged 8–17 and assessed changes in psychosocial constructs, health behaviors, and BMI over six months using a single-group pre-post design.
Results showed significant improvements in self-efficacy and motivation for physical activity, while changes in dietary behaviors, social support, and BMI were not statistically significant. However, higher attendance at Club Fit sessions correlated with reductions in BMI z-scores, suggesting a dose–response effect. Implementation challenges included low attendance, pre-existing policy changes, and seasonal factors, highlighting the complexity of real-world intervention delivery. Despite limitations such as small sample size and lack of a control group, the initiative demonstrated promise for addressing obesity-related health disparities in after-school settings. Lessons learned informed revisions to enhance caregiver engagement, peer coach roles, and staff training, and future research will focus on controlled trials to evaluate effectiveness across similar programs.
Association of Social Network Factors With Weight Status and Weight Loss Intentions Among Hispanic Adults
RHCP surveyed 610 Hispanic adults in Rochester, Minnesota to understand how friends and family influence weight and health habits. They found that people who were overweight or obese often had social circles with similar weight issues. However, it wasn’t just who people knew—it was how those relationships worked.
Journal of Behavioral Medicine Jun 2019
RHCP surveyed 610 Hispanic adults in Rochester, Minnesota to understand how friends and family influence weight and health habits. They found that people who were overweight or obese often had social circles with similar weight issues. However, it wasn’t just who people knew—it was how those relationships worked. Supportive friends and family who encouraged healthy eating and weight loss made a big difference. People who felt their social circles were trying to lose weight were much more likely to want to lose weight themselves.
The study showed that encouragement, shared goals, and strong social bonds mattered more than the number of people in someone’s network. When participants felt supported and saw others around them making healthy changes, they were more motivated to do the same. These findings suggest that health programs for Hispanic communities could be more effective if they focus on building supportive social environments that promote healthy habits and weight loss.
Social Networks and Obesity Among Somali Immigrants and Refugees
A community-based participatory research project led by RHCP examined the relationship between social networks and obesity among Somali immigrants and refugees in Rochester, Minnesota. Survey and biometric data from 646 participants revealed that half were overweight or obese, and those with higher BMI tended to have more overweight individuals in their social networks.
BMC Public Health Feb 2020
A community-based participatory research project led by RHCP examined the relationship between social networks and obesity among Somali immigrants and refugees in Rochester, Minnesota. Survey and biometric data from 646 participants revealed that half were overweight or obese, and those with higher BMI tended to have more overweight individuals in their social networks. This clustering was especially pronounced among men and adults aged 50 and older. Participants who intended to lose weight were more likely to report supportive social norms, higher social cohesion, and encouragement from family and friends. Functional network factors—such as social support for healthy eating and norms favoring weight loss—were positively associated with weight loss intentions.
The study found that social networks among Somali immigrants are distinct and influential in shaping health behaviors, particularly around obesity and weight loss. While structural network characteristics like network size did not mediate weight status, functional aspects such as social norms and support played a significant role. These findings suggest that a social network intervention targeting weight loss, grounded in CBPR principles, is feasible and potentially effective for this population. The research highlights the importance of leveraging community ties and culturally relevant strategies to address obesity and promote healthier lifestyles in immigrant communities.
Closing the Gap: Participatory Formative Evaluation to Reduce Cancer Screening Disparities among Patients with Limited English Proficiency
RHCP partnered with a large primary care network to address cancer screening disparities among patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) in Rochester, Minnesota. Using a participatory formative evaluation approach, the team conducted interviews with LEP patients, providers, interpreters, and community leaders to identify multilevel barriers to screening.
Journal of Cancer Education Feb 2020
RHCP partnered with a large primary care network to address cancer screening disparities among patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) in Rochester, Minnesota. Using a participatory formative evaluation approach, the team conducted interviews with LEP patients, providers, interpreters, and community leaders to identify multilevel barriers to screening. These included limited understanding of preventive health, cultural beliefs, mistrust of providers, and logistical challenges such as appointment scheduling and interpreter availability. The study applied the Social Ecological Model and Health Belief Model to organize findings across intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and community levels, revealing that shared experiences of immigration and language barriers often outweighed cultural differences in shaping health behaviors.
A community-academic summit with 48 stakeholders validated these findings and helped co-design intervention strategies. Participants emphasized the importance of peer navigators, collaboration with community-based organizations, and culturally tailored educational materials. Proposed interventions included clinic-based components like interpreter training and registry-based outreach, as well as community-led education and navigation efforts. The study demonstrated the feasibility and value of engaging diverse stakeholders in designing responsive, multilevel interventions. It also highlighted the need for integrated clinic and community strategies to improve cancer screening rates among LEP populations, with future steps focused on implementing the co-developed intervention components.
The Development of a Collaborative Self-Evaluation Process for Community-Based Participatory Research Partnerships Using the Community-Based Participatory Research Conceptual Model...
RHCP undertook a participatory self-evaluation to assess its health, sustainability, and alignment with community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles. Working with the University of New Mexico Center for Participatory Research, RHCP adapted existing tools and the CBPR conceptual model to guide a four-step process.
Program Community Health Partnership: Research, Education and Action 2019
RHCP undertook a participatory self-evaluation to assess its health, sustainability, and alignment with community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles. Working with the University of New Mexico Center for Participatory Research, RHCP adapted existing tools and the CBPR conceptual model to guide a four-step process: creating a partnership timeline, refining the conceptual framework, conducting mixed-methods data collection, and engaging in collaborative analysis. This approach combined qualitative interviews, surveys, and facilitated discussions to identify strengths, challenges, and priorities for future action. Findings emphasized the adaptability of CBPR tools for collective reflection and highlighted the importance of participatory evaluation in sustaining effective partnerships.
Results revealed that RHCP’s greatest strengths lie in inclusive decision-making, trust-based relationships, and deep community engagement throughout research design and implementation. Partners valued the process as transformative, noting that robust collaboration was central to achieving health equity and improving outcomes. While the evaluation affirmed RHCP’s success in fostering mutual learning and community capacity, it also underscored challenges related to sustainability and the need for a more formal organizational structure. Lessons learned include the necessity of streamlining evaluation for long-term feasibility, ensuring findings are actionable, and maintaining flexibility to adapt tools to partnership contexts. Overall, the experience demonstrates that participatory self-evaluation strengthens partnerships and informs strategic planning for health equity initiatives.
Identifying Opportunities to Promote Physical Activity in a Diverse Low-Income Population: A Mixed-Method Study at a Boys & Girls Club Site
A mixed-method study conducted through RHCP and the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester (BGCR) explored physical activity engagement among children from diverse, low-income backgrounds. Quantitative data showed that while most children met physical activity guidelines, nearly half were overweight or obese and fewer than half met screen time recommendations.
Journal of Research and Practice in Children's Services: Child & Youth Care Forum Sept 2019
A mixed-method study conducted through RHCP and the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester (BGCR) explored physical activity engagement among children from diverse, low-income backgrounds. Quantitative data showed that while most children met physical activity guidelines, nearly half were overweight or obese and fewer than half met screen time recommendations. Focus groups with youth, staff, and caregivers revealed that environmental barriers—such as lack of equipment, staffing, and safe spaces—along with interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges like fear of judgment and competing responsibilities, limited physical activity. Facilitators included social support, adult modeling, structured activities, and access to outdoor spaces and equipment.
Stakeholders recommended enhancing physical activity through competitions, incentives, staff training, and increased family engagement. Caregivers expressed interest in supporting BGCR’s efforts but cited time and resource constraints. Staff emphasized the need for a community-wide vision for youth health and better infrastructure. The study highlighted the relevance of CBPR in designing interventions that address health disparities and suggested that afterschool programs like BGCR are promising venues for promoting physical activity. A hybrid model involving staff, peers, and caregivers may be more feasible and effective than traditional family-based interventions, especially for underserved populations.
Sustainability of a Tuberculosis Screening Program at an Adult Education Center Through Community-Based Participatory Research
A tuberculosis (TB) screening program developed through RHCP at Hawthorne Education Center in Rochester, Minnesota demonstrated long-term sustainability and effectiveness in serving a large foreign-born population. Initiated through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, the intervention addressed barriers such as fear and stigma by fostering open dialogue and culturally sensitive education.
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. Nov 2019
A tuberculosis (TB) screening program developed through RHCP at Hawthorne Education Center in Rochester, Minnesota demonstrated long-term sustainability and effectiveness in serving a large foreign-born population. Initiated through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, the intervention addressed barriers such as fear and stigma by fostering open dialogue and culturally sensitive education. Over eight years, more than 618 TB skin tests were administered, with 121 positive results. Of those, 101 individuals completed evaluations, 72 began treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI), and 57 completed the full course of medication. The program’s success was attributed to collaborative design, flexible staffing, and shared ownership among Hawthorne, the public health department, and RHCP.
The intervention’s longevity beyond its initial grant funding highlights the power of participatory frameworks in public health. Classroom education, tailored communication, and on-site testing created a trusted environment that encouraged participation. The program adapted to changing circumstances, including administrative shifts and learner turnover, while maintaining its core mission. Adult education centers like Hawthorne proved to be effective venues for health interventions targeting immigrant communities. This case study underscores the importance of sustained partnerships, community engagement, and flexible implementation strategies in addressing health disparities through locally grounded public health initiatives.
Healthy Immigrant Families: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Family-Based Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention
RHCP’s Healthy Immigrant Families study was a randomized controlled trial designed to improve dietary quality and physical activity among Hispanic, Somali, and Sudanese immigrant families in Rochester, Minnesota. Using a CBPR approach, community and academic partners co-developed a 12-module intervention delivered by trained, language-congruent Family Health Promoters through home visits and follow-up calls.
American Journal of Health Promotion 2018
RHCP’s Healthy Immigrant Families study was a randomized controlled trial designed to improve dietary quality and physical activity among Hispanic, Somali, and Sudanese immigrant families in Rochester, Minnesota. Using a CBPR approach, community and academic partners co-developed a 12-module intervention delivered by trained, language-congruent Family Health Promoters through home visits and follow-up calls. The intervention emphasized culturally relevant strategies, family engagement, and behavior change principles rooted in social cognitive theory. At 12 and 24 months, adults in the intervention group showed significant and sustained improvements in dietary quality, particularly in reducing empty calories and increasing intake of greens and beans. However, no significant changes were observed in physical activity levels or biometric outcomes such as BMI and blood pressure.
Adolescents did not experience sustained improvements in dietary or physical activity outcomes, likely due to inconsistent participation and competing commitments. Despite high baseline physical activity levels, which may have created a ceiling effect, the intervention did not significantly impact activity patterns. The study demonstrated strong treatment fidelity, high adherence, and successful community-led recruitment and retention, validating the feasibility of conducting rigorous trials in immigrant populations. RHCP’s participatory model highlights the importance of culturally tailored, family-centered interventions and suggests that future efforts should include more targeted strategies for adolescent engagement and potentially integrate weight loss components for adults.