Prevention Research Centers Program Selects Minority Fellows

Press Release

March 18, 2004—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced the selection of three Prevention Research Centers Fellows. The fellowship program, now in its third year, is sponsored by CDC and the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) for students of minority racial or ethnic origin.

Maria Lopez will work with the Prevention Research Center at the State University of New York at Albany on diabetes prevention and management programs for the Latino community in Amsterdam, New York. Jeffery Peterson will work with the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the University of New Mexico to explore the involvement of American Indian communities in the center’s participatory research. Mary Roary will work with the Southwest Center for Community Health Promotion at the University of Arizona to examine patients’ participation and involvement in health care for diabetes and to assess how increased education about diabetes affects their health.

"This fellowship program offers highly qualified doctoral-level students experience collaborating with public health researchers and learning to incorporate community values into their research. The 28 Prevention Research Centers conduct research that improves community health in a unique and valuable way," said Dr. James S. Marks, director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program. "This involvement empowers community members to identify health issues and work toward improving health in their community."

The Prevention Research Centers Program is a network of academic centers, public health agencies, and community partners working on health promotion and disease prevention in underserved populations. Academic researchers build relationships with communities that help define research questions and conduct research and interventions, such as conducting community surveys and educating fellow residents. Many communities build capacity for ongoing services while contributing to new knowledge.

"We are delighted to have the 2004 fellows," said Dr. Eduardo Simoes, director of the CDC’s Prevention Research Centers Program. "This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Prevention Research Centers Program. We are now looking forward to the contributions these young researchers will make to further the practice of public health."

Dr. Harrison Spencer, president and CEO of the ASPH, congratulated the new fellows and thanked the Prevention Research Centers’ mentors for their participation. "By co-sponsoring these fellowships with CDC, we demonstrate our belief that training the next generation of public health professionals is vital to prevention research."

For more information about the Prevention Research Centers Program visit http://www.cdc.gov/prc.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.