New Report from the Humana Foundation Examines Best-Practices in Community-Engaged Research

The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. for the past 44 years, today announced the publication of its new report, Strengthening Science and Community Impact Through Equitable Research Practices. The report examines innovative research methods adopted by the Foundation’s partners to promote health equity in public health research through community-engaged research practices.

“Our report offers pivotal insights and recommendations to help funders develop a research strategy that invests in partners practicing community-engaged research methods to effectively develop long-term solutions addressing gaps in health equity,” said Soojin Conover, Innovation Portfolio Strategy Principal and co-author of the report.

Among the partner projects analyzed in the report, three distinct themes emerge:

1. Expanding Access and Opportunity: Research teams have successfully removed barriers to participation by collaborating with respected local institutions like schools, churches and nonprofits, facilitating greater community outreach. To increase trust and community connections, research teams draw on direct knowledge and experience of the populations they serve.
2. Promoting Community Leadership: Community members are involved at multiple stages of the research process to influence the health solutions being studied. Examples include research advisory boards, partnerships with community-based organizations and feedback sessions led by community leaders.
3. Respecting Human Dignity: The research projects honor the time and resources contributed by community participants and organizations, ensuring transparency and the fair and safe treatment of all involved.

“Research has shown that applying community-engaged research strategies can boost the implementation of health equity interventions and lead to long-term effectiveness,” said Heather Hyden, Public Health Strategy Lead, and co-author of the report. “The purpose of this report is to assist funders as they pursue a strategy that invests in community-engaged research practices.”

“Listening to and learning from the people and communities we serve is at the core of the work the Humana Foundation does in the research and the grant programs we support,” said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see how our partners are successfully operationalizing this approach to advance health equity.”

To read the full report, click here.

About the Humana Foundation

The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable, and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit humanafoundation.org.

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