The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Center for the study of Community Health
The Center focuses on reducing health risks among underserved populations throughout the state of Alabama and plays a leading role in the development of community-based participatory research at UAB.
Welcome from
the director
Founded in 1993, the Center for the Study of Community Health is one of 26 Prevention Research Centers funded nationally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and one of 25 University Wide Interdisciplinary Research Centers designated by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. We invite you to review our website to learn about our projects and programs and our commitment to improving the health and lives of Alabama’s underserved residents.
The 2019-2024 core intervention research project, CHEER (Community Health through Engagement and Environmental Renewal), was developed out of 12 months of meetings with Birmingham residents, who determined their key community needs as blight reduction and children’s future success. CHEER builds on observational studies by the Center and others demonstrating that youth risk behaviors are associated with family and neighborhood adversities.
Birmingham United Neighborhoods (BUN) is a coalition of 8 neighborhoods, working with the UAB Center for the Study of Community Health since 2017 when they collaborated on plans for the 2019-2024 core research project, CHEER. BUN provides input to guide CHEER, and 2 representatives from BUN serve on the Center’s community participation board (JCCPB), which advises on all of the Center’s research, translation, training, and service activities.
ALABAMA VACCINE CONFIDENCE NETWORK
The Alabama Vaccine Confidence Network (VCN) is a Center collaboration with multiple community-based and health organizations to improve COVID-19 vaccine messaging strategies to help increase vaccination. The initiative will assess reasons for resistance/hesitancy among target populations and develop both print and digital messaging to change behaviors and increase vaccination confidence and uptake.
THE BEAT HIVe
“The Beat HIVe” is a video series that provides HIV and sexual health education using local rappers and hip hop artists. Episodes include the musicians performing original material and discussing HIV-related topics with health experts. Performers were identified by emerging adults age 18–25.
CITY HEALTH II
Community Influences Transitions of Youth Health II (CITY Health II) was the Center’s core research project for 2014–2019. The project focused on reducing HIV-related risk behaviors and increasing HIV testing and protective behaviors among African American emerging adults age 18–25.
Latest News
CSCH Director Jeff Walker recognized for 2020 Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award for interdisciplinary, collaborative efforts
Magic City Blight Busters looks to beautify Birmingham neighborhoods
CSCH Director Susan L. Davies named Associate Dean for Research at Tulane University School of Social Work
Magic City Blight Busters and Urban Impact to hold cleanup in Birmingham’s Fountain Heights neighborhood
