Our Crowdfunding Groups
Community Health Speaks is a UB-led initiative aimed at bridging the divide between the scientific and biomedical community and those from historically marginalized populations by bringing together a diverse group of UB Faculty, community centers, and stakeholders from various backgrounds. Our primary goal is to raise awareness about health disparities and empower the community through meaningful strategies that prioritize equity and access for everyone. We leverage our expertise in research, patient care, and population health, to elevate the voices of those who are trying to serve. That's why we are dedicated to engaging individuals from all walks of life, encouraging them to actively participate in discussions about research designs, access to care, implementation strategies, and outcomes.
Recent Initiatives
Work with Women and Children from the Afghan Community in Western New York
We are working to empower women and children in the WNY Afghan community providing critical skills to navigate the healthcare system and adapt their daily lives for optimal health. Our area has seen an influx of Afghan refugees over the last few years and they face considerable challenges, including delayed asylum processing, which limits their access to essential services as well as employment. This coupled with language barriers and cultural differences can have a detrimental effect on their ability to access and utilize health care services.
In the fall Community Health Speaks hosted an event for Afghan women that included a talk with Dr. Abeer Eddib as well as transportation, dinner, childcare and translation services. This all-female event helped attendees to feel comfortable hearing about and discussing their personal health. The event focused on topics essential to women's health, including preventive care and managing common health concerns. You can read more about the event here.
Future events within the Afghan community will focus on building mental health skills and services that adequately meet the needs of this population. Events like these are essential for understanding nuance and meeting WNY residents where they are at in order to provide necessary community-driven health education.
Educating and Destigmatizing Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Community Health Speaks has been active in Buffalo Public Schools through collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, working with parents to educate them about disorders such as ASD, ADHD, depression and more. Research has revealed disparities in diagnostic prevalence, emphasizing the need for culturally appropriate practices. Learn more about these disparities here.
Learning About Your Genome
Community Health Speaks also hosted the "Learning About Your Genome" series. This series was a comprehensive educational program designed to help individuals understand the intricacies of their genetic makeup. It covered various topics including the role of genetics in health and disease, and the significance of ancestry in genetic testing. It also equipped participants with the skills to spot scientific misinformation, allowing them to critically evaluate genetic information they encounter from various sources. Learn more about the 'Learning About Your Genome' series here.
Initiatives like these are essential to bridging the gap between the scientific community and the populations they serve. Your support will help Community Health Speaks to advance health equity, provide vital resources, enhance biomedical knowledge, and engage the community. Together we can create a healthier more informed Western New York—make your gift today.
