Improving Health for People with Chronic Conditions by Addressing Systemic Barriers
Official title: Improving Chronic Disease Outcomes Across the Lifespan by Addressing Structural Racism
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11123489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project helps healthcare systems better support adults and caregivers, especially those from racialized groups, by improving how social needs are met to improve chronic disease outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $813,668 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR020752-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older with chronic conditions, particularly those from racialized groups, and their caregivers, who interact with healthcare systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose chronic conditions are not impacted by social determinants of health or who do not experience systemic barriers may not directly benefit from this specific intervention.
What this research studies
This project looks at how healthcare systems can better address social needs, like housing or food, for adults and their caregivers who live with chronic conditions. We want to understand why current systems sometimes fall short, especially for caregivers of color who might face extra challenges. The goal is to make sure that when social needs are identified, they are actually addressed, leading to better health for everyone. We are building on a successful program called WE CARE, which helps connect families to social services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more equitable and effective healthcare systems that better address patients' social needs, ultimately improving chronic disease outcomes for many.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on the WE CARE system has shown success in increasing referrals to social services and resource receipt among low-income families.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garg, Arvin — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Garg, Arvin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.