Breaking Barriers: Confronting Health Stigmas in the African American Community Blog Series | Part 3: Population Health (Research & Education)

UF Health Jacksonville is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care to all patients. In recognition of African American History Month, we are taking a deeper look into how health stigmas impact the African American community. We are committed to addressing challenges that affect access to care as well as proper diagnosis and treatment for all our patients.

This month, we highlight African American health care providers from UF Health Jacksonville to offer unique perspectives and actionable solutions to improve health. We encourage you to read every blog in this series with the intent of sparking meaningful conversations that extend beyond these pages and into our communities.

Fern Webb, PhD, an associate professor in the department of surgery and co-director of the Center for Healthcare Evaluation and Engagement Research, or CHEER, talks about the importance of engaging the community and improving population health by taking the mystery out of research through education and increasing community engagement in the health care process.

Many African Americans are hesitant to participate in medical research due to historical abuses. What strategies have helped increase participation and trust?

Dr. Webb: We must prioritize consistent communication and our presence throughout the communities we serve and on various platforms. To be a trusted health resource and encourage Black involvement in our studies and programming, we have to be seen as reliable, engaged and effective. Our team continues to take steps to be active in the community so future patients and research trial participants can be confident our research is patient-centered and focuses on improving their quality of life.

Certain conditions like hypertension and diabetes are common within African American communities. How can we shift the conversation toward prevention and early intervention?

Dr. Webb: On a health systems level, continuing to share ways people can practice preventive measures like obtaining screening and knowing how to access the health care system is important. We know that the more support people receive in terms of being able to reach a health care provider or system, the better. Thus, the more information shared on available health resources, the better. We also know that participating in health research studies on different health conditions helps us to identify ways to treat or help prevent the progression of certain health conditions. Another way to shift the conversation is to get more people involved in this discussion. We need to bring the conversation to the community.

How can institutions ensure their research is truly serving the communities they study?

Dr. Webb: There are a number of ways to make sure research has a direct effect on the public. It starts with asking community members what their concerns are about their health, and then using education and dialogue to explain how research can address those issues. We can also see if the research is having an impact by reviewing the data, and then using that information to make changes. We should also consistently share health information with our community, and, most importantly, stay involved to meet their needs.

How are we bridging the gap between medical research and community-based education to make health information more accessible and actionable?

Dr. Webb: We need to continue collaborating with our local and national partners. A key component is community outreach (in person and virtually). This requires us to think far in advance. We are always refining our strategy to make community education more convenient and appealing to individuals interested in participating. In addition, we have great partnerships with local churches, which are pillars in the Black community.

In your work with CHEER, what innovative programs or partnerships have shown promise in improving health outcomes for African American populations?

Dr. Webb: I am excited, along with CHEER Co-Director Dr. Lori Bilello and our research administrator, Caitlyn Murphy, about growing our network. A recent study we conducted was a tri-institutional partnership and had about 1,400 individuals participate — African American, Hispanic, Caribbean and other cultures were represented. A high percentage of them said they’re interested in participating in future studies or informational programming we conduct. That’s a big win for us. More importantly, they are willing to share with family and peers the information or requests for participation that we pass along.

Another success is sparking interest in health care for our youth, and an example is our collaboration with the Darnell Cookman School of the Medical Arts, where we help to host Career Day. Different health care professionals come and speak to the students. I’ve had students come to me later on to say “because of what UF Health experts shared, I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine.” That is so rewarding, because we need more African Americans in the health care field.