There is a great need for concern regarding the healthcare of several groups of people in Metropolitan Mobile and the Gulf Coast Region (which includes Southern Alabama, Southeast Mississippi and Southwest Florida). In fact, these areas have some of the most desperate health concerns in the country. The health disparities in the region's large African American population in many instances exceed the national average. Similar problems persist in the area's Native American and growing Hispanic and Asian communities. The region also has a growing senior population with unique health needs and concerns that must be addressed as well. These and other special needs of people in the Gulf Coast Region constitute challenges and opportunities for the University of South Alabama to help develop healthy communities and improve the lives of people it serves.

Exemplifying their strong desire to alleviate such health disparities, USA introduced the Center for Healthy Communities (CHC). By providing research, analysis and information on matters of community health and building partnerships to foster healthier communities, the CHC is striving to improve the quality of healthcare, and thus life, for individuals in Mobile and surrounding areas.

Objectives

The goal of this summer research opportunity is to involve graduate students in the analysis of health disparities in the Mobile area and to enhance their grant writing skills. To satisfy these objectives, the students are being trained to assist in the development of statistical profiles required for three grant proposals the center will be developing this summer.

Grant 1 aims to significantly improve access to and utilization of beneficial cancer interventions in communities with cancer health disparities. Principal Investigator: Dr. Michael Boyd, Director of the USA Cancer Research Institute.

Grant 2 is seeking to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health services, and access to such services through promotion of improvements in clinical and health systems practices. Principal Investigator: Dr. Martha Arrieta, MD, PhD.