Lessons learned in the practice of community-based participatory research with community partner collaboration in study design and implementation: the community scientist model.

Engagement of community participation is an innovative driver of modern research. However, to benefit the communities being studied, it is imperative to continuously evaluate ethical considerations, the relationship dynamic between researchers and community members, and the responsiveness of research teams to the needs and preferences of communities. Northwestern University's Center for Health Equity Transformation founded a community scientist program in 2018 that implemented a study using the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) model. This project is an ongoing study of heavy metal exposure by geographic location in Chicago. Community scientists from various backgrounds, communities, and organizations formed an advisory panel, partnering with the cancer research team. This commentary describes lessons learned in structuring meaningful community involvement and benefit in CBPR, with a focus on three lessons learned that relate to ethics, relationships, and responsiveness. Our findings lay new groundwork for iteratively shaping best practices in CBPR.

The Dobbs Double Bind: Lessons From Substance Use Disorder on the Conflict Between Privacy and Quality Care.

The Dobbs decision overturned the right to abortion in the United States and allowed states to enact total abortion bans. In addition to restricting access to abortion, laws criminalizing pregnancy outcomes deter providers from offering timely, appropriate care for pregnancy complications. To avoid litigation or prosecution, providers are under pressure to strictly guard the privacy of patient health information related to pregnancy. Perinatal care is at risk of repeating the experience of similar enhanced privacy rules for substance use disorders, which have impeded information sharing and care coordination that improves outcomes.

Project MED (Medicine, Exposure, and Development): Promoting Access to Healthcare Education for Historically Underrepresented Groups Through Community Engagement, Sustainability, and Technology.

In the U.S., disparities in the healthcare workforce have led to inadequate health outcomes in communities of historically underserved groups. To address the lack of resources and opportunities in health career education for historically underserved group students, Project MED was established. The mission is to expose high school students to the breadth of opportunities in the healthcare field and to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. Through 3 main pillars-Learn, Lead, and Launch-Project MED has developed a robust repository of 20 workshops, recruited and trained eight mentors, and curated a database of ≥100 opportunities for over 50 students.