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Faith Boone, Editorial Content Manager
Our Health Community
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Our Healthy Community (OHC) Partners with Case Western Reserve University’s Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio to Host READI, Set, BRACE Experience on OHCEngage+ Platform
CLEVELAND, OH – Our Healthy Community (OHC) is excited to announce an innovative partnership with the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) of Northern Ohio at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to pilot MetroHealth's Center for Health Equity Engagement, Education and Research (CHEEER) BRACE (Building Research for Academic and Community Engagement) Toolkit on the OHCEngage+ Platform. With five dedicated cohorts on the OHCEngage+ platform, this collaboration aims to strengthen relationships between academia and community, fostering effective, sustainable, and equitable research relationships.
The CTSC of Northern Ohio is the first Clinical and Translational Science Award hub, funded by the National Institutes of Health National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), to use OHCEngage+. Participants will engage in digital activities, utilize tools, and access resources from MetroHealth CHEEER's BRACE Toolkit. The BRACE Toolkit provides information and templates for community organizations and researchers, helping them establish an equitable working environment during the research process.
“The READI, Set, BRACE Experience is unique because the BRACE Toolkit is being used before a research question has been formed or funding opportunity has been identified—purely to learn more about each other, gain insights into community engaged research principles, and to build and earn trust,” said Gelise Thomas, Director of Research Health Equity for the CTSC of Northern Ohio.
Thomas praised OHCEngage+, stating, "We could not do this work without the OHCEngage+ platform–the way it exists as this neutral meeting place for community engagement, and specifically for research. It was the embodiment of something that we dreamed of that we didn't know existed."
Thomas further emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, "Biomedical research has a marred history, but with platforms and tools like the OHCEngage+ platform, it shows a good faith effort. It's a way for institutions, academia, government, philanthropy, etc. to come together with community and foster an environment to co-lead with community."
Thomas says researchers and principal investigators on studies can use the OHCEngage+ platform to stay connected with their teams and build community.
OHC CEO Silas Buchanan says providing a dedicated space for a BRACE Toolkit cohort is a significant step forward in bridging the gap between academia and the community.
"This initiative not only enhances academic research capabilities but also empowers the Greater Cleveland community, and beyond, by fostering equitable and collaborative relationships that can lead to improved health outcomes,” Buchanan says. “OHCEngage+ provides an invaluable resource for ensuring that community voices, such as those participating in the BRACE Toolkit cohort, are heard and respected in the research process. By working together, we can address pressing health issues more effectively and build a foundation for sustained health improvements across our communities. This partnership exemplifies the power of unity and shared goals in creating a healthier and more equitable future for all."
OHCEngage is a free community engagement platform designed to help members connect, collaborate, and share insights. OHCEngage+ is the premium version, offering enhanced features and exclusive opportunities. While OHCEngage provides robust tools for engagement, OHCEngage+ adds tailored support, a custom branded platform, enhanced networking opportunities, and access to exclusive content.
Visit ohcengage.com today to learn more about OHCEngage and OHCEngage+.
Learn more about the BRACE Toolkit and how you can get involved at cheeer.org.
About Our Healthy Community (OHC)
OHC is a community-first engagement and innovation company focused on building platforms, programs, and resources that address community needs. OHC develops cutting-edge tools and strategies that promote health equity. OHCEngage and OHCEngage+ are community hubs where users can engage in consistent conversations around health equity to empower themselves and improve their community's health. Organizations can come together to share resources, address health disparities, converse with healthcare stakeholders, and foster dialogue and collaboration. OHC's mission is to bridge the gap between faith-based organizations, community organizations, and the healthcare industry, working toward achieving health equity for all. Learn more at ourhealthycommunity.com.
About Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio (CTSC)
The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC), a collaborative among Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and its partner institutions, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, University Hospitals, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center, University of Toledo, and Northeast Ohio Medical University, is a catalyst for high quality clinical and translational research both locally and nationally. The CTSC provides key services to investigators, trainees, and staff at CWRU and its collaborating institutions to facilitate clinical and translational research. The CTSC’s mission is to change the culture and environment of biomedical research, share resources and expertise, and streamline the research process to move translational research from bench to bedside and to the community. The CTSC is supported by the National Institutes of Health National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through federal grant UM1TR004528.
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