The PRC at UMass Chan Has Been Awarded Multiple New 5-year Grants!

We have some exciting news to share! The Prevention Research Center (PRC) at UMass Chan has been awarded a new 5-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) continuing our status as a PRC that is part of the national Network of community-engaged researchers. Co-Directed by Stephenie C. Lemon, PhD and Milagros, C. Rosal, PhD since 2009, this is the start to our fourth cycle!

There are three components to this award. The first is the Center, which provides the infrastructure to complete research contracts, technical assistance to community coalitions, and other initiatives aligned with our mission. The second component is the research project called Neighborhood Connect, and the third is interaction with the national PRC Network.

A team of community partners, and UMass Chan faculty and staff are ready to expand and further engage to meet the mission: To prevent disease, promote health and advance health equity through the integration of community engaged research, practice, policy, and education. 

Community partners form the Community Advisory Board (CAB). The purpose of the CAB is to guide the PRC and its research project to make sure that community voice is prioritized in everything that is done. The CAB provides high-level guidance on the Center, but more specifically guides the research project.

The following faculty and staff members are part of the UMass Chan PRC team. 

• Amy Borg, MPH, MEd will serve as the Deputy Director to coordinate the team, maintain a productive working relationship with the CAB, and continue to provide and organize technical assistance activities in the community.
• Grace Ryan, PhD, MPH will serve as a Co-Investigator and the lead for qualitative research, such as focus group and interview facilitation and analysis. 
• Karin Valentine Goins, MPH is the Lead of the Dissemination and Translation Component to maintain close contact with community partners and to identify new opportunities for technical assistance and collaboration. She is also the Director of the Neighborhood Connect research project.
• Christine Frisard, MS is the Evaluation Lead to oversee progress on meeting our benchmarks and goals.
• Princilla Minkah, MPH will serve as the Communications Lead to oversee the website, social media, annual report, and PRC communication products.

We also received funding for two Special Interest Projects (SIPS): the Physical Activity Policy and Research Evaluation Network (PAPREN) and the Advancing Research in Immunization Services (ARISe) Center for Rural Vaccination Collaborating Center.

Click here to learn more about Neighborhood Connect!
Click here to learn more abut PAPREN!
Click here to learn more about ARISe! 

We are proud to be a part of the national PRC Network. Stay tuned for all we have in store for the next 5 years! Thank you to our partners, Greater Worcester community, and UMass Chan Medical School for your continuous support.