Abstract Details

Title Community-driven Brain Health Workshop Series: A Novel Approach to Brain Health Promotion in Rochester’s Historically Marginalized Communities

Topic Health Care Disparities

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 4-007

Objective To pilot a novel community-driven brain health (BH) workshop series to bolster neurologic health literacy and self-efficacy in Rochester’s historically marginalized communities.

Background Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide, despite many being preventable, including 80% of strokes and 40% of dementias. Many historically marginalized communities in the US lack access to the knowledge, resources, tools, care, and environments to practice and maintain healthy behaviors, contributing to disproportionate morbidity and mortality across a range of neurologic conditions within those communities. BH is a novel concept that promotes the importance of protecting brain structural and functional integrity throughout the lifespan that can decrease or delay the risk of developing neurologic disorders including stroke, dementia, and, to a lesser extent, Parkinson’s disease, and depression.

Design/Methods Between August and November 2022, we conducted five BH Workshop sessions that combined community BH needs-assessment, education, and small group discussion to improve BH literacy and self-efficacy among residents in the Rochester Focus Area (RFA), a region of eight contiguous zip codes in Rochester, NY where health disparities are most evident.

Results Twenty-two adults in the RFA participated in at least one session. With an approach of deep listening, bi-directional learning and empowerment, the program utilized an iterative process of discussion and provision of resources, including a final Resource Book focused on the needs and interests of the participants. Participants, facilitators, and community partners mutually benefited as we learned together about strengths and barriers to cognitive health within the RFA. Participants indicated a strong interest around BH topics such as stroke, sleep, suicide prevention, and depression. For future workshops, participants requested learning materials, an adaptable toolkit, and providers as a resource at workshops.

Conclusions The robust engagement in this pilot program underscores the importance of bringing community-led education initiatives to historically marginalized communities around topics of BH.

Authors/Disclosures
Heidi B. Schwarz, MD, FAAN (URMC) PRESENTER	Dr. Schwarz has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Schwarz has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for EBSCO. Dr. Schwarz has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Guidepost. Dr. Schwarz has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Various Law Firms.
Christine Zizzi (University of Rochester Medical Center, Center for Health + Technology (CHeT))	No disclosure on file
Charles White (URMC)	No disclosure on file
Christine Annis (University of Rochester)	No disclosure on file
Blanca Y. Valdovinos, MD (University of Rochester)	Dr. Valdovinos has nothing to disclose.
Sravya Betha (URMC)	No disclosure on file
Robert G. Holloway, MD, MPH, FAAN (University of Rochester Medical Center)	Dr. Holloway has nothing to disclose.
Phyllis Jackson, PA (Prospect/Crozer Keystone Health System)	No disclosure on file
Katherine E. Webster, NP (University of Rochester Neurology)	Ms. Webster has nothing to disclose.

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