#United States #New York #NYU-CUNY PRC #CDC #diabetes management

CDC Renews Funding for NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently announced the renewal of its funding for the NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center (NYU-CUNY PRC). This funding marks the beginning of a new project cycle focused on tackling chronic disease prevention and management in underserved communities, particularly addressing the needs of low-income immigrant populations.

About NYU-CUNY PRC

Established in 2009, the NYU-CUNY PRC is recognized as one of the twenty CDC-designated Prevention Research Centers in the United States. Its key mission is to translate evidence-based research into innovative programs that enhance access to health care and mitigate health disparities faced by marginalized groups. Based within NYU Langone's Department of Population Health and CUNY's Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, this center is committed to addressing pressing public health issues through rigorous research and community engagement.

Focus on Diabetes Management

The primary focus for the funding cycle spanning 2024 to 2029 will be the improvement of diabetes management specifically among low-income immigrant communities. The initiative aims to provide culturally tailored education and support that fosters better health outcomes. The project will implement a new Community-Clinical Linkage (CCL) model that seamlessly integrates health technology with social support systems.

The CCL model will employ tools such as mobile health applications to educate patients about diabetes management, position Community Health Workers (CHWs) as case managers to facilitate care, and create a robust platform where individuals can access vital social services. Professor Terry Huang, a distinguished member of CUNY SPH and co-director of the NYU-CUNY PRC, emphasizes that this approach is pivotal in bridging the accessibility gap between clinical services and community support, thereby enhancing the ability of individuals to manage their diabetes effectively.

Collaborative Efforts for Health Equity

In addition to improving individual health outcomes, the NYU-CUNY PRC project aims to empower local community partners to adopt and implement evidence-based interventions. The core focus will also include the development of educational resources and tools that can be widely distributed across healthcare systems serving diverse populations. The center’s strategy involves collaborating with healthcare providers, municipal agencies, and grassroots organizations to strengthen the sustainability of its interventions.

Dr. Nadia Islam, a prominent figure at NYU, highlighted the center's commitment to advancing health equity, expressing pride in their collaborative approach. The partnership between CUNY SPH—a leading minority-serving public health institution—and NYU, a reputable academic medical center, fosters innovative healthcare solutions that aim to address social injustices in New York City.

Additional Funded Projects

Moreover, the CDC's funding extends beyond the primary diabetes project to support four notable special interest initiatives under the NYU-CUNY PRC umbrella. These projects include:

• - Advancing Research in Immunization Services Network (ARISe)
• - Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN)
• - Managing Epilepsy Well Network (MEW)
• - Understanding prostate cancer pathology reports through community response analysis

These initiatives, in collaboration with prominent faculty from NYU Langone, focus on various public health challenges aimed at promoting overall community well-being and health equity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the renewed funding from the CDC for the NYU-CUNY PRC reflects a strategic commitment to enhancing public health through focused research and community engagement. The center’s pioneering efforts in preventing chronic diseases and promoting health equity stand to have significant impacts on the health outcomes of New York City's diverse populations.