Community-driven Brain Health Workshop Series: A Novel Approach to Brain Health Promotion in Rochester’s Historically Marginalized Communities
Heidi Schwarz1, Christine Zizzi1, Charles White1, Christine Annis1, Blanca Valdovinos2, Sreesravya Betha1, Robert Holloway3, Phyllis Jackson4, Katherine Webster5
1Neurology, URMC, 2Neurology, University of Rochester, 3University of Rochester Medical Center, 4Interdenominational Health Ministry, 5Center for Community Health and Prevention, University of Rochester Neurology
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.