Engaging School Champions in the Implementation of a Research Study in Historically Marginalized School Communities.

COMMUNITY support; HUMAN services programs; INTERPROFESSIONAL relations; SATISFACTION; COVID-19 testing; COVID-19 vaccines; MEDICAL research; HEALTH education; HEALTH promotion; PATIENT participation; SCHOOL health services; COVID-19

Community engagement in research improves uptake of health interventions and health outcomes among marginalized populations. Researchers from school-based health centers serving marginalized communities in Miami, Florida fostered community engagement in COVID-19 research and health education through collaboration with school staff and student "champions" from June 2021 to June 2023. Evaluations completed by champions assessed acceptability, feasibility, and recommendations for improvements. Overall satisfaction was high among champions. We elaborate on lessons learned and future directions for this type of research collaboration. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(8):789–793. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307711) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]