Roadmap - You and Me Healthy

The Roadmap for Community Engagement was developed based on experiences using a community-engaged approach to distribute more than 2 million free at-home COVID-19 test kits across three U.S. communities in 2021. It includes insights from community members, scientists, project leaders, and health communicators. Each section will provide an overview of what you can find in those chapters. You can download those sections or the entire Roadmap and a Glossary listing terms used in all the chapters using the buttons below.

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We are eager for your feedback on ways to improve this Roadmap going forward.

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1.0 Introduction

The Roadmap is a tool to support effective collaboration and community partnerships to promote the co-design of public health and research programs. Community partners know their area’s needs best and can give valuable advice about running a successful program.

This guide can help at any stage, but it is particularly useful in early planning. Establishing partnerships early allows for the best chance to build a collaborative program.

In This Section	Tools, Templates & Resources
1.1 About the Roadmap 1.2 Learning by examples 1.3 Reviewing community engagement principles Download Chapter	Compass for Project Planning

In This Section

Tools, Templates & Resources

1.1 About the Roadmap
1.2 Learning by examples
1.3 Reviewing community engagement principles

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Compass for Project Planning

2.0 About Community-Engaged Research

Community-engaged research addresses ways to promote health and well-being by working collaboratively with community members on public health research programs. Once the program has identified shared values and priorities, community-engaged research follows a general structure with seven key phases.

In This Section	Tools, Templates & Resources
2.1 Community engaged health research FAQs 2.2 Phases of community engaged health research Download Section	NIH Clinical Research Trials and You Why Research Matters Brochure (English) Why Research Matters Brochure (Spanish) Preparing for Community Partnerships Checklist

In This Section

Tools, Templates & Resources

2.1 Community engaged health research FAQs
2.2 Phases of community engaged health research

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3.0 Planning for Lasting Impact

Public health programs aim to improve community health and well-being, but their impact should last beyond their initial implementation. Designing a sustainable program ensures that the program’s benefits continue even after funding or resources are no longer available.

Sustainable program design starts with understanding community needs and aligning program goals with local priorities. Groups can then design programs to be flexible, allowing adjustments based on feedback and expansion.

In This Section	Tools, Templates & Resources
3.1 Building a program to last 3.2 Establishing clear goals 3.3 Understanding the community 3.4 Prioritizing inclusion 3.5 Adjusting to change 3.6 Financial planning (phase 4) Download Section	Program Planning Worksheet SMART Goals Template Community Pulse Survey Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT Analysis Template)

In This Section

Tools, Templates & Resources

3.1 Building a program to last
3.2 Establishing clear goals
3.3 Understanding the community
3.4 Prioritizing inclusion
3.5 Adjusting to change
3.6 Financial planning (phase 4)

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Program Planning Worksheet
SMART Goals Template
Community Pulse Survey
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT Analysis Template)

4.0 Building the Research Program Framework

Understanding local dynamics can help build strong community relationships. Communities can build trust through transparency with community leaders, especially in marginalized communities. They can also develop program goals and evaluation metrics with program partners and use these to track progress. And finally, communities can plan data collection strategies that consider participant privacy and timelines.

In This Section	Tools, Templates & Resources
4.1 Partnering with a Community (phase 1) 4.2 Forming Community Partnerships (phase 2) 4.3 Building a Team 4.4 Developing Partnerships 4.5 Establishing Goals and Metrics 4.6 Determining Data Needs 4.7 Getting Program Supplies and Developing a Distribution Plan 4.8 Creating a Communications Plan, Messages, and Materials 4.9 Determining Research Requirements Download Section	Community Demographics Template Community IRBs and Research Review Boards Understanding Community-Based Processes for Research Ethics Review: A National Study IRB Registration with OHRP Video Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) IRB Registration Process Gathering and Displaying Program Data Information Sheet Communications Plan Template How to Set Up a New Gmail Account

In This Section

Tools, Templates & Resources

4.1 Partnering with a Community (phase 1)
4.2 Forming Community Partnerships (phase 2)
4.3 Building a Team
4.4 Developing Partnerships
4.5 Establishing Goals and Metrics
4.6 Determining Data Needs
4.7 Getting Program Supplies and Developing a Distribution Plan
4.8 Creating a Communications Plan, Messages, and Materials
4.9 Determining Research Requirements

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5.0 Launching and Conducting the Research Program

There are several steps to ensure a successful project launch such as a new partner onboarding process to understand program goals and expectations. It may also include developing clear guidelines for supply distribution and resupply and pairing programs with existing community engagement events. Finally, it's important to establish key metrics and a plan to gather feedback to adapt.

In This Section	Tools, Templates & Resources
5.1 Orienting Community Partners 5.2 Distributing Program Supplies and Tools 5.3 Publicity 5.4 Program Sites and Events 5.5 Collecting Data and Monitoring Progress 5.6 Gathering Feedback and Sharing Updates Download Section	Workflow for Onboarding Partners to a Community-Engaged Research Program Social Media Platform Comparison Community Partner Feedback Survey Photo and Video Consent Form

In This Section

Tools, Templates & Resources

5.1 Orienting Community Partners
5.2 Distributing Program Supplies and Tools
5.3 Publicity
5.4 Program Sites and Events
5.5 Collecting Data and Monitoring Progress
5.6 Gathering Feedback and Sharing Updates

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6.0 Reflecting and Closing the Research Program

Reflecting on the program’s successes and challenges is crucial for improving future public health programs. Once the program is over, evaluate its success by reviewing the metrics established in the planning phase.

In This Section	Tools, Templates & Resources
6.1 Thanking Partners 6.2 Reflection of metrics and lessons learned 6.3 Sharing findings and results 6.4 Maintaining relationships Download Section	Program Reflection and Debrief Worksheet

In This Section

Tools, Templates & Resources

6.1 Thanking Partners
6.2 Reflection of metrics and lessons learned
6.3 Sharing findings and results
6.4 Maintaining relationships

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Program Reflection and Debrief Worksheet

Acknowledging our Partners

This Roadmap was developed in partnership with Pitt County Health Department, Greenville, North Carolina and United Way of Merced County, Merced, California.