Lost in translation: The role of community research associates in community based participatory research in rural WV

In a state where much of the population has limited access to health care and there is very little exchange of information between medical researchers and the community, there is a need for community based “translation experts” that speak both the language of an academician and a layperson. In 2010, the Community Appalachian Investigation Research Network in partnership with the Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA) initiated the concept of Community Research Associates (CRAs) to bridge the divide between researchers and under-served communities. HSTA is an afterschool, science enrichment program for students with potential and interest in science careers and who come from financially disadvantaged, first generation to college or minority backgrounds. These CRAs have spent the last 2 years facilitating clinical translational investigators, 80 HSTA teachers and 800 HSTA 9th-12th grade students in authentic research projects and translating the results of that research and medical knowledge into the most rural and underserved communities of WV. These former educators have received training on community health issues as well as community engagement, and they live in the communities they serve. Since the development of the CRA concept, student-community interaction with research scientists has increased as has the number of health related, HSTA student-led research projects. Through the CRA concept, communities are able to better understand their health issues and are now more likely to take action. In this session the development and evolution of the CRA concept will be presented along with longitudinal impact data.