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How to Get it Right in the Community I t’s been said that if you’re going to build a better mousetrap, be sure to leave room for the mouse. Likewise, if you’re going to design a better community-based research project, be sure to leave room for input from community partners. This inclusive approach guides the successful best practices behind NJ HEROES TOO, a scholarly research project across Essex, Middlesex, Passaic and Union counties with three primary goals:
consideration all aspects of our community, we created all materials in English and Spanish. We also had over 30 imagery selections to represent diverse communities and had multiple ways for people to access the study’s screening tool, including QR codes, a URL and a phone number to call. With the help of the community members we were able to appropriately tailor the pieces and messaging as best we could for our diverse audiences. Additionally, the organizations assisted with recruiting individuals to sign up for in-home saliva-based testing, identify resources for positive cases, and provide connections to local resources for future testing. With the help of the different partner organizations, the team was also able to quickly form focus groups and conduct interviews, which were key components. The regular exchanges of information and an open communication format allowed the team to remain flexible and learn from each other. Every meeting provided a chance to course-correct and refine messaging, which became evident when vaccinations began to roll out. “Community partners want to be involved in research that impacts their constituents,” said Diane Hill, assistant chancellor for university-community partnerships at Rutgers University–Newark and assistant professor at Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration. “It’s a matter of building trustworthiness and respecting the expertise the public brings to the table. Just reach out and extend community allies an invitation. In my experience, very few decline the offer.”
t B etter understand COVID-19 testing patterns among underserved and vulnerable populations
t S trengthen the data on disparities in infection rates, disease progression, and outcomes
t D evelop strategies to reduce the disparities in COVID-19 testing
During design team meetings, they assisted Rutgers researchers to devise messaging and education materials for engaging Black and Latinx communities, including county- specific flyers, toolkits, infographics, emails, social media, door hangers, posts cards, and videos. Their feedback on all pieces is key because they know their community members better than anyone. Messaging at every stage was meticulously planned, and continues to be evaluated as we move forward. Taking into
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