- The Humana Foundation unveiled a new report on community-engaged research practices aimed at advancing health equity.
- Key themes of the report include expanding access, promoting community leadership, and respecting human dignity.
- The report is a guide for funders to invest in strategies that enhance health interventions' effectiveness over the long term.
The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. (HUM, Financial), has released a comprehensive report titled 'Strengthening Science and Community Impact Through Equitable Research Practices.' This report analyzes innovative research methods in collaboration with the Foundation's partners to enhance health equity through community-engaged research.
The report identifies three core themes. Firstly, expanding access and opportunity by partnering with local institutions such as schools, churches, and nonprofits to eliminate participation barriers. This approach utilizes community knowledge to build trust and foster connections.
Secondly, the report emphasizes promoting community leadership. It involves community members in various research stages, incorporating their feedback through advisory boards and partnerships with community organizations. This inclusion ensures that the health solutions being researched are directly influenced by those they aim to assist.
The third theme focuses on respecting human dignity, ensuring that all participants are treated fairly, transparently, and safely. The report underscores the importance of acknowledging the contributions of both community participants and organizations involved in the research process.
"Applying community-engaged research strategies can significantly boost the implementation of health equity interventions while ensuring their long-term effectiveness," said Heather Hyden, Public Health Strategy Lead, and co-author of the report. The report serves as a strategic guide for funders aiming to invest in community-engaged research practices that address health equity challenges.
Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, highlighted the value of listening to and learning from the communities served by the Foundation. "It's inspiring to see how our partners effectively operationalize these strategies to advance health equity," she added.
The Humana Foundation, established in 1981, continues its commitment to fostering collaborations that help underserved communities lead healthier lives. For more information and to read the full report, visit humanafoundation.org.
