Center for Latino Health Research Opportunities-CLaRO

Project Summary/Abstract Latino populations in Miami-Dade County (FL) continue to experience health disparities and health inequities. To address these critical public health issues, a well-trained, community-engaged health disparities workforce is needed; new cohorts of highly skilled, multidisciplinary health disparities researchers can develop new

knowledge and translate research findings into affected underserved communities. Thus, this application proposes to expand the health disparities research and training efforts of the Center for Latino Health Research Opportunities (CLaRO). Over the past 6 six years, the University of Miami (UM) and Florida

International University (FIU) have partnered as CLaRO to reduce and prevent health disparities across the intersecting syndemic conditions of substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS (i.e., SAVA) affecting vulnerable Latinos (e.g., seasonal farmworkers, inner city, LGBTQ+ communities). CLaRO’s focus has been to reduce

and prevent health disparities across the intersecting conditions of substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS (i.e., the SAVA syndemic) in vulnerable Latino sub-groups. The proposed CLaRO will expand our central theme to include: (a) mental health (i.e., SAVA+MH) disparities affecting underserved Latino communities and

(b) equitable implementation science. CLaRO will train early-stage investigators (ESI) to develop expertise in equitable implementation science to accelerate implementation efforts of evidence-based interventions addressing SAVA+MH. We will diversify the health disparities research workforce by training, mentoring, and

supporting ESI, particularly those from underrepresented minority (URM) groups, across the translational pathway from preintervention and efficacy/effectiveness research to implementation science and practice. We propose a community-engaged, multidisciplinary, research training and mentorship program that is grounded in

equitable implementation science; meaningful collaborations with community stakeholders will be integrated into CLaRO activities. We will fund at least 3 new Pilot Projects each year for a total of $300,000 per year. Our Research Enhancement Program for Pilot Awardees and other ESI at UM and FIU will include (1) training on

scientific topics relevant to the CLaRO theme, project management, and grantsmanship; (2) Equitable Implementation Science Exemplars Series presentations by established investigators; and (3) Network- enhancing activities that facilitate a culture of belonging for health disparities researchers. Through CLaRO’s

Community/Scientific Advisory Board, we will integrate key community stakeholders in our investigator development and research dissemination efforts to ensure that results are translated into practice in affected communities. CLaRO will leverage existing research, training, and community engagement infrastructure at

UM and FIU, and at associated NIH-funded centers and institutes, to create an environment that continues to promote scientific innovation, research excellence, career development, and community engagement.