The Population Engagement Core assists Miami CFAR investigators in establishing and maintaining strong bi-directional community partnerships. The core supports the goals of the Miami CFAR through the following aims:
- Promote active involvement of the South Florida community in the Miami CFAR by facilitating new and ongoing collaborations between investigators, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) to ensure their participation and input in the development, implementation, monitoring, and completion of research projects.
- Provide investigators with consultation and resources to enhance recruitment and retention of community and clinic-based study participants with attention to hard to engage populations including those at high risk of HIV infection, HIV positive patients who are not receiving HIV care, substance users, sexual minorities and racial and ethnic minorities to reduce health disparities.
- Expand behavioral clinical studies and opportunities for behavioral and social scientists to collaborate with clinical and basic scientists by providing the necessary infrastructure to enable CFAR researchers to strategically move into high priority areas of investigation. Core E will serve as a valuable resource that provides investigative tools and mentoring support beyond that which is available through routine grant mechanisms.
