Building a bridge for community-academic engagement: The maternal and child health research consortium

Introduction

Developing capacity in the larger community to lead effective dissemination of evidence-based interventions into local communities is critical in solving public health problems. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), collaborating with academic researchers, can effectively develop, test and disseminate valuable public health interventions. Maternity Care Coalition (MCC), a CBO with deep roots in local communities and a mission to “improve maternal and child health and wellbeing through the collaborative efforts of individuals, families, providers and communities”, recognized the importance of research and established a research department.

Methods

 In 2006, MCC obtained foundation support and hired a full-time Ph.D. level Research Director to develop a research agenda addressing the needs of pregnant and parenting women in low income communities in the Philadelphia area.  Interest from academic partners led MCC to establish the Maternal and Child Health Consortium to facilitate Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and “build a bridge” between research and the community.

Results

The Consortium has grown to approximately 40 members from more than ten universities, leading to the implementation of CBPR projects, including prison reentry and perinatal depression, with the organization “owning” the process. Collaborations have led to four NIH grant applications; one successful and another under review with the Research Director serving as Principal Investigator.

 Conclusion

The CBO plans to expand the Consortium and develop working groups targeted to topics related to its mission. MCC has demonstrated that a CBO can establish successful community-academic partnerships and lead CBPR projects that advance the development and application of effective public health interventions.