Overview and History
Conceptualization - January 2009
In January of 2009, the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) College of Health Sciences invited a group of staff members of local non-profit organizations and several of the College's staff members to meet and discuss how community based research could be better facilitated in the greater El Paso area. The intent was to strengthen partnerships based on mutual benefit and investment in the community as a whole.
The conversations led to the idea of a "toolbox" with a range of resources that could be used to improve research partnerships. The attached "Research Expectations Checklist" document is the first tool in the toolbox. It is anticipated that additional tools will be added in the future.
As no individual organization can monitor or regulate these matters, it is imperative that community agencies and university partners hold each other accountable throughout the different stages of research. The checklist includes a list of recommended expectations that researchers and community agencies may require from one another. The committee asserts that the fulfillment of these expectations will facilitate community-based research in a manner that is collaborative, sustainable, and best respects the dignity and health of the community.
This document may be copied and used in a variety of ways. For example, its language could be integrated into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between partners.
The following organizations participated at various levels in this project at its inception.
Centro de Salud Familiar La Fé, Inc.
Centro San Vicente
El Paso Diabetes Association
Paso del Norte Health Foundation
Texas A&M Colonias program
UTEP Center for Civic Engagement
September 2, 2009
Foundations of the Partnership – September 2009
On Friday, September 25, 2009, 43 community and UTEP College of Health Sciences representatives (i.e., community based organizations/schools – 15, community capacity-building agencies – 7, CHS Faculty – 17, CHS Administration – 4) came together to explore community and campus partnership opportunities. They reviewed the research expectations checklist and provided feedback/updates to the "Expectations".
The group decided to continue to meet and that we "must" continue to meet. "They" became "we".
September 2009-November 2010 (See "2010 CAPHSR Annual Report")
The partnership became the Community and Academic Partnerships for Health Science Research (CAPHSR). We developed a mission statement and met monthly together in groups based on 5 main health-related themes:
- Children with Special Needs (Autism)
- Chronic Disease in the Elderly
- Healthy Homes for Children and Adolescents
- Violence and Mental Health along the Border
- Substance Abuse and HIV
Each quarter we met to develop our skills and knowledge of how to work together and research together. We were guided by a steering committee with representatives from community and UTEP CHS faculty.
December 2010- Summer 2011
We, as the partnership, began to invite UTEP grad students (health sciences) and community members who were interested in participation. We also began to explore opportunities for community-engaged education opportunities. We began to align our work with the Healthy People 2020 initiative.