Gainesville, Fla. — UF HealthStreet, a nationally recognized community engagement program housed within the University of Florida’s Department of Epidemiology, celebrates a significant milestone: 15,000 community members have consented to join the Research Registry. This achievement reflects more than 16 years of dedicated service to the community at large connecting residents with medical services and opportunities to learn about research studies relevant to them. Robert Baez, PhD is Director of Operations at HealthStreet; he says “At its core, HealthStreet is about building trust. By listening to community members and responding to their health and social needs, we are creating pathways not only to care, but also to meaningful participation in research that benefits everyone.”
HealthStreet’s mission is to increase access to healthcare and research through sustained community and stakeholder engagement. Community health workers serve as bridges between residents and the services, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. Built on four key pillars—Listen to the Community, Serve the Community, Educate the Community and Learn from Them, and Build our Trustworthiness. HealthStreet offers a wide array of free health-related services, including referrals to UF research studies. HealthStreet has navigated more than 7,500 members to research studies and facilitated the enrollment of well over 3,000 community members into research studies that align with their needs and health concerns.
“We are grateful for the response of community members to the ongoing invitation to engage with HealthStreet to improve the well-being of our community”, says Catherine Striley, PhD, MPE, and Deputy Director of HealthStreet. “Since 2012, HealthStreet has sustained its engagement in Alachua County and North Central Florida through its Community Health Workers’ outreach, screenings, referrals and follow-ups. Listening to our community through its members has allowed HealthStreet to report and respond to emerging needs through partnerships and health screenings. We look forward to further partnerships with individuals and groups from our community.” The resources that HealthStreet offers include health education classes and events that community members can access Monday through Friday. Our CHWs are often seen on weekends as well. Other resources include: access to health food through our food distribution initiative, Blood pressure screenings, Health Needs Assessments, HIV testing and counseling, distribution of life saving Narcan® nasal spray kits, referrals for primary care, dental care, vision services, cancer support, mental health care, housing assistance, insurance navigation, transportation, employment assistance, and a clothing closet and toiletry pantry. “
Reaching 15,000 registered members underscores the scale and significance of HealthStreet’s work in improving healthcare access across North Central Florida. Through direct services, tailored education, and research engagement, HealthStreet continues to address community health needs, including hypertension, diabetes risk, mental health challenges, substance use, food insecurity, and barriers to preventive care. And the Registry is a resource for all conducting research here at the University; members have agreed to share their information for researchers to reach out to them if they are found to be eligible.
As noted by Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, and Founding Director of HealthStreet, “This is an exciting milestone for UF HealthStreet, and we are truly appreciative of our community for the trust they place in us. Our goal has always been to serve as a strong and reliable resource, and we look forward to continuing that role for many years to come.”
About UF HealthStreet
UF HealthStreet is part of the University of Florida’s Department of Epidemiology within the College of Public Health and Health Professions and the College of Medicine. Its mission is to promote access to healthcare, social services, and research participation for diverse communities across Florida. To reach HealthStreet, call (352) 294-4880.