Evaluation of BLKHLTH Community Advocacy for Racial Equity (CARES) Fellowship Program
Abstract
Background: In response to the growing desire among health trainees to advance racial health equity in their local communities, we created the Community Advocacy for Racial Equity School (CARES) fellowship program.
Methods: Through intentional outreach to Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), we recruited and selected 30 undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the inaugural CARES program in Fall 2024. The semester-long fellowship program included four core components: hybrid course sessions, community immersions, group advocacy projects, and professional mentorship. We utilized process and outcome evaluation methods, including surveys, focus groups, and pre/post-tests, to gather feedback from key interest holders. This approach allowed us to adapt the program in real-time to meet the specific needs of our fellows. The outcome evaluation gauged participants' knowledge, behavioral intention, and efficacy regarding health equity advocacy before and after the program. We also conducted a process evaluation to assess how effective the pilot program was in achieving stated goals and identify areas of improvement.
Anticipated Results: After completing CARES, fellows will have increased: 1) Awareness of the connection between racism, place, and health in Atlanta; 2) Behavioral intention to advocate for anti-racist systems-change as future health professionals; and 3) Self and collective efficacy (confidence) in their capabilities as racial justice and health equity change agents in Atlanta.
Conclusion: Through empowering and mobilizing the next generation of health professionals to become health equity advocates, CARES has the potential to inform equitable health policy change in Atlanta. Keywords: health equity, racial justice, advocacy, community engagement, workforce development
Keywords
health equity, racial justice, advocacy, community engagement, workforce development
Conflict of Interest Form
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Evaluation of BLKHLTH Community Advocacy for Racial Equity (CARES) Fellowship Program
Background: In response to the growing desire among health trainees to advance racial health equity in their local communities, we created the Community Advocacy for Racial Equity School (CARES) fellowship program.
Methods: Through intentional outreach to Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), we recruited and selected 30 undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the inaugural CARES program in Fall 2024. The semester-long fellowship program included four core components: hybrid course sessions, community immersions, group advocacy projects, and professional mentorship. We utilized process and outcome evaluation methods, including surveys, focus groups, and pre/post-tests, to gather feedback from key interest holders. This approach allowed us to adapt the program in real-time to meet the specific needs of our fellows. The outcome evaluation gauged participants' knowledge, behavioral intention, and efficacy regarding health equity advocacy before and after the program. We also conducted a process evaluation to assess how effective the pilot program was in achieving stated goals and identify areas of improvement.
Anticipated Results: After completing CARES, fellows will have increased: 1) Awareness of the connection between racism, place, and health in Atlanta; 2) Behavioral intention to advocate for anti-racist systems-change as future health professionals; and 3) Self and collective efficacy (confidence) in their capabilities as racial justice and health equity change agents in Atlanta.
Conclusion: Through empowering and mobilizing the next generation of health professionals to become health equity advocates, CARES has the potential to inform equitable health policy change in Atlanta. Keywords: health equity, racial justice, advocacy, community engagement, workforce development
