Community Engagement Core

Project Summary The Community Engagement Core (CEC) of the University of New Mexico Climate and Health Allied Network for Geospatial and Environmental Science (UNM CHANGES) Exploratory Research Center will develop and implement robust mechanisms to identify and meet communities needs using multi-directional communication

among diverse stakeholders on issues of climate change and health. We will build capacity and bolster partnerships with particular emphasis on engaging multiple stakeholders and communities in research and implementation for UNM CHANGES research projects. The CEC will ensure research responsiveness and

relevance to community needs through collaborative efforts that foster dialogue and interactions among the identified audiences and Center members. The CEC aims to: serve as a multidirectional bridge between UNM CHANGES research and community partners using participatory, culturally-centered processes to identify

community information and communication needs (Aim1), To ensure UNM CHANGES’ responsiveness to community priorities through supported interactions among researchers and community stakeholders (Aim 2), and to implement sustainable community-engaged partnerships to foster capacity building for addressing

climate change impacts (Aim 3). Following community needs identified under Aim 1, we will create responsive materials for research translation and enhanced environmental health literacy under Aim 2. Under Aim 3, with our community partners and informed by UNM CHANGES’ research, we will co-design, implement, and

evaluate evidence-based cultural and science communication as well as disaster preparedness training. Our work will build a common framework of understanding and trust that will foster strong relationships needed for true multi-directional communications, and enhance individual and community-level resilience that can be

upscaled to other contexts and communities. Consistent with NIEHS’ mission to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives, in the long term, this work will advance risk reduction and community climate resilience.