Reducing health disparities through research, education, and community engagement
The Community Research Advisory Board (CRAB) is a group of faculty and community stakeholders that host monthly meetings to provide consultation to researchers interested in engaging community members in research projects. The CRAB aims to ensure that research studies are culturally sensitive and relevant.
What is the CRAB?
The CRAB is a body established in 2001 with the mission to advise researchers on how best to engage vulnerable and historically underrepresented populations in problem solving and foster collaboration among those populations and researchers interested in addressing health inequities.
Who serves on the CRAB?
Community members, service providers, and academics with a shared interest in research being responsive to community needs and being conducted in a culturally appropriate and ethical manner.
How can CRAB benefit you?
Over 90 researchers have presented research proposals or funded research projects to the CRAB seeking guidance on:
- development of proposals and study design
- minority recruitment
- the design and content of recruitment materials
- how to address bad research experiences with minority populations
- how best to inform underrepresented populations about their research
- developing a systematic recruitment strategy
- identifying community organizations for partnered research
CRAB Members
- Donna Alexander, Women of Vision
joined 2011 - Carol Brackett, Allegheny County DHS/Area Agency on Aging
joined 2011 - Lora Ann Bray, Pitt Public Health CHE
joined 2014 - Mario Browne, Office of Health Sciences Diversity
founding member - Aurelia Carter, Allegheny County Office of Behavioral Health
joined 2013 - Dr. Kevin Carugati, Internal Medicine
joined 2009 - Jackie Dixon, Consultant, UPMC Asthma Institute
founding member - Dr. Patricia I. Documet, Pitt Public Health
joined 2006 - Dr. Willa Doswell, School of Nursing
founding member - Flor Cameron, master's student
joined 2014 - Frank Greenlee, Retired Human Resources Specialist
joined 2014 - Elaine Jenkins, Community Member
joined 2011 - Dr. Annamore Matambanadzo, community member
joined 2009 - Dr. Dara Mendez, Pitt Public Health
joined 2009 - Dr. Sandra Murray, School of Medicine
founding member - Officer Juan Polanco, Pitt police officer
joined 2012 - Victor Talisa, Doctoral student (BIOST)
joined 2015 - Dr. Sharon Taverno Ross, assistant professor, Department of Physical Activity (Pitt)
joined 2015
