In this program, Meredith Minkler, Dr. P.H., addresses the complex nature of many minority health problems. She examines the failure of traditional research to involve communities of color as potential partners in research. A new paradigm that stresses action-oriented research with, rather than on, minority communities is gaining excitement in the public health community.

This program uses case studies to illustrate the value added for communities and health researchers by community-based participatory research approaches. Core principles of such collaborative research is illustrated, as are the ways in which this approach builds community capacity; focuses research questions on health issues that matter to minority communities; improves cultural sensitivity in all phases of the research process; and helps translate findings into action to help eliminate health disparities. Ethical and methodological challenges of collaborative community-based research are also discussed and illustrated, and a case made for grappling with these dilemmas as we work to foster true community-health researcher partnerships to improve minority health.

This videotape is from the University of North Carolina, Minority Health Project, 8th Annual William T. Small, Jr. Keynote Lecture and was originally broadcast on February 24, 2006.

The conference, initiated by the UNC Minority Student Caucus in 1977, is the nation's oldest and largest student-run conference. The program was developed to highlight health issues of concern to people of color and to attract students interested in minority concerns to public health.

Run time for this video is 103 minutes.