The Critical Role of Ethical Community Engagement in Public Health

Ethical community engagement is more than just a buzzword; it's essential for effective public health strategies. Want proof? According to a recent study, 85% of community-engaged research projects focusing on equitable partnerships have higher success rates and long-term impact. Translation: real partnerships beat transactional interactions every time.

Expert Advice from Dr. Ebony Johnson

Dr. Ebony Johnson, PhD, MSc, is an expert in health justice and ethical community engagement. She recently dropped gems on The Healthy Project Podcast, saying, “Ethical community engagement means shared power between the community and researchers. It’s a partnership, not a researcher-subject hierarchy.” Boom. That’s how you foster trust and health equity.

The Power of Community Voices

According to Dr. Johnson, communities are experts in their lived experiences. You read that right. "We get the best results when we understand that the community is the expert," she explained. And honestly, research that doesn’t impact real lives? It's a waste of time and money. Prioritize community voices if you want real change.

Trust: The Unseen Obstacle

Trust issues are real, especially when researchers or institutions come knocking. Dr. Johnson stated clearly: “You need to earn the community’s trust, and it won’t happen overnight. Don’t get upset if they don’t trust you right away—there’s a long history of harm to unpack.” Trust is a two-way street, and it’s on you to pave the way.

Data Governance: Handle with Care

Let’s talk data. Dr. Johnson stresses ethical data governance, where communities have control over their data. Case in point: A colleague’s research was almost derailed when a transcription service erased nuances in African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Dr. Johnson called this “linguistic violence.” Lesson? Respect the data and those behind it.

What’s Next? Collaboration

In Dr. Johnson’s view, the way forward is collaboration over competition. “There’s enough population, money, and grant funding for everyone to win,” she said. Let’s leave the scarcity mindset behind and work together for bigger wins.

Quick Hits

• Did You Know? The majority of diabetes research data comes from older white men. Dr. Johnson says, “You can’t find Black people with diabetes? That’s a YOU problem.”
• Fun Fact: Dr. Johnson started powerlifting after months of convincing from her coach. Now she’s lifting both weights and health justice standards!
• What’s Next? Tune in next week as we tackle the intersection of mental health and workplace wellness. You won’t want to miss it!

You Have DEI All Wrong: The Curb-Cut Effect

The curb-cut effect serves as one of the best analogies for understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Originally, curb cuts were created in the 1970s to support people with disabilities, specifically wheelchair users, by providing ramps where sidewalks met streets. This simple modification was essential for accessibility, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to move freely and independently.

However, as curb cuts became more widespread, it was clear that they didn’t just benefit people with disabilities. Parents pushing strollers, workers pulling carts, delivery personnel, and cyclists found these ramps just as useful. What started as an intervention for one group ultimately created widespread benefits for many others. This phenomenon was later coined the "curb-cut effect" by Angela Glover Blackwell, founder of PolicyLink, to describe how policies and innovations designed for marginalized groups often end up benefiting society as a whole.

The curb-cut effect perfectly encapsulates the purpose of DEI efforts. At its core, DEI is about removing barriers and creating inclusive systems that cater to the needs of historically marginalized groups. Just like curb cuts, DEI initiatives may appear to be focused on a particular population, but when implemented effectively, they positively impact everyone in the workplace or society. For example, flexible work policies designed for working parents can also benefit employees without children by offering better work-life balance for all.

The curb-cut effect demonstrates that when we focus on inclusion and equity, the ripple effects create a more accessible, fair, and productive environment for everyone.

Embracing Identity, Acceptance, and Advocacy | Coffee Can't Fix Everything

In this powerful episode of "Coffee Can't Fix Everything," we sit down with Kayla Bell-Consolver, a licensed mental health therapist, a dynamic voice in mental health advocacy, and a leader in the LGBTQ community. Kayla shares her personal journey of self-discovery, the challenges of coming out, and how she overcame societal pressures to embrace her true self.

My City My Health Conference Alert!

The My City My Health Conference is getting closer! If you haven’t got your tickets yet, now’s the time. Head over to www.mycity.health and secure your spot before it’s too late! Don't miss out on one of the most impactful events of the year!

Until Next Time…

Got any thoughts on this episode? Hit reply and let me know. And if you enjoyed this, don’t keep it to yourself—forward it to a friend who could use a fresh take on health equity and community engagement!

Be well,
Corey Dion Lewis
The Healthy Project