Challenges and lessons learned in the establishment of a Center of Excellence for the Elimination of Disparities (CEED) REACH US

In September 2007, the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) Midwest Latino Health Research, Training and Policy Center together with UIC-Healthy Cities/Great Cities Neighborhood Initiatives, and the Chicago Department of Public Health, received CDC funding to establish a national Center of Excellence for the Elimination of Disparities (CEED) under the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) US. The Center goal is to contribute to the elimination of disparities related to diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular (CVD) conditions among African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos in selected communities in Chicago and eventually nationwide through community and system change. Community efforts are aimed at changing social norms and lifestyle practices, such as higher consumption of produce and increasing physical activity, leading to reduction of overweight and obesity. Another sub-goal is reducing barriers to access and utilization of health and medical services for diabetes and CVD prevention and care. CEED@Chicago has been guided by a socio-ecological model following community participatory and empowerment approaches. Data has been collected based on analyses of qualitative data and review of coalition records. During its formation CEED@Chicago has a) established administrative infra-structure to facilitate the management and communication with partners; b) developed a model of community engagement and mobilization of grass-roots residents and organizations through public and private partnerships with multiple traditional and non-traditional sectors (e.g., businesses); c) engaged in action planning for the development of healthy public policies initiatives and training; d) awarded Legacy Projects mini-grants to community organizations. A series of challenges and lessons learned will be shared.