Introduction
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has introduced an initiative to tackle the root causes of health disparities in communities across the United States. Through the NIH Common Fund Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society (ComPASS) program, NIH is investing approximately $171 million over five years to fund 26 community-led research projects. These projects are set to revolutionize healthcare, addressing the underlying structural factors impacting health outcomes.
Harnessing Community Power
Unlike traditional research models, ComPASS directly funds research projects led by community organizations. These community leaders collaborate closely with academic institutions and other organizations throughout every stage of the research process. Together, they investigate social determinants of health that contribute to health inequities.
Dr. Lawrence Tabak, Acting Director of NIH, emphasizes the transformative potential of community-driven research, saying, “The ComPASS research model harnesses diverse perspectives and expertise to examine systemic factors impacting health.”
Quest for Sustainable Solutions
ComPASS projects focus on examining the underlying conditions and environments influencing health outcomes. They do so by developing, implementing, and assessing structural interventions to alter social determinants of health, addressing concerns such as economic development, social context, healthcare access, and nutrition.
Transformative Initiatives in Action
Several ComPASS-supported research projects are already underway, targeting populations experiencing health disparities:
- Access to Healthy Food: ComPASS supports initiatives in rural communities, delivering food boxes to local stores and individuals and facilitating regional food distribution to reduce hunger and improve diet quality.
- Early Childcare Strategies: Research assesses whether early childcare strategies enhance mental health for children and their parents by increasing access to public early childcare and education.
- Enhanced Healthcare Access: This initiative provides travel resources and transportation stipends to improve healthcare access, reducing emergency department readmissions and healthcare costs.
- Culturally Appropriate Health Care: ComPASS aims to improve access to quality healthcare for older adults from sexual and gender minority populations by creating inclusive protocols.
- Telehealth Advancements: ComPASS enhances telehealth models in rural communities to improve preventative screening and disease management among agricultural workers.
A Bright Future for Health Equity
NIH’s ComPASS program is investing significantly in communities and building a foundation for future community-led health research. The valuable data generated by these projects will contribute to a growing body of knowledge about social determinants of health and structural inequities. As these initiatives continue to unfold, the promise of health equity and lasting change in communities nationwide becomes more achievable than ever before.
View the official release for more information.
