Using community health workers to reduce colorectal cancer and heart disease in African Americans
Project 3-Community Health workers United to Reduce Colorectal cancer and CVD among people at Higher risk (CHURCH)
This study is working to help African American adults get better access to colorectal cancer screenings and heart health support by using friendly community health workers in local Black churches to share helpful information and resources.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the higher rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among African American adults. It utilizes community health workers (CHWs) from within the community to promote CRC screening and manage CVD risk factors through culturally tailored interventions delivered in Black churches. The approach includes a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model for CRC screening, alongside a web-based lifestyle program called 'Alive!' aimed at improving heart health. By leveraging trusted community members, the project aims to enhance access to care and improve health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults aged 21 and older who are at higher risk for colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Not a fit: Patients who are not African American or those who do not fall within the higher risk categories for CRC and CVD may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases among African American populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using community health workers to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Olajide — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Williams, Olajide
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 below.