October 2021 | Issue 4 | Page 5
Led by Dr . Ronit Elk , Professor in the Division of Geriatrics , Gerontology , and Palliative Care , the attendees were able to gain valuable knowledge that will hopefully be a catalyst towards their future work in the communities in which they work . There were various topics discussed throughout the training , such as a session on Understanding Social Determinants of Health and Power , a conversation with an active Community Advisory Board ( CAB ), forming and running a focus group , and developing healthcare programs based on the community ’ s values , lived experiences , and needs . The attendees participated in many small breakout sessions which were led by Dr . Elk , Dr . Mandi Pratt-Chapman ( Associate Professor , George Washington University ), Shena Gazaway , PhD , RN ( Assistant Professor , UAB School of Nursing ), and Amber Martin , MPH , MA , NCC ( Clinical Research Coordinator , UAB Division of Gerontology , Geriatrics , and Palliative Care ). Jared Ball , our Education Manager organized the meeting flawlessly ! Reverend Moneka Thompson , Chaplain at UAB , wrote a poem to honor CBPR which left not a dry eye in the house .
The attendees were asked to fill out pre- and post-workshop evaluations that gathered demographic information and a knowledge assessment that measured their experience with several topics in CBPR . Based on the results , there was an increase in the amount of knowledge of the CBPR topics discussed , and increased confidence in implementing / designing a CBPR Study in the future . As CBPR has rarely been used in palliative care , this was a great first step towards developing palliative care programs that are equitable for all . Kudos to all involved in the training !
Honor My Voice By : Rev . Moneka A . Thompson
Invite me to your table . Listen to my journey by honoring my voice . Learn my truths , whether difficult or complicated . Allow the voices of lived experience and wisdom to redefine outcomes . Together , we can create right from a troubled history of wrong . Let ’ s forge new paths of united hope for a way forward . May we transcend from division into undivided glory . Hope for a tomorrow of compassion is made when you choose to Honor My Voice
Dr . Nina Wallerstein ( Professor of Public Health , College of Population Health ; Director , Center for Participatory Research , University of New Mexico ) as she presents during the training .