The Research and Engagement for Advancing Community Health (REACH) program facilitates productive engagement among the lay community, community practitioners, and academic researchers to address the health-related needs and contribute to the improved health of Kentucky communities through community-based participatory research.

The REACH program is led by co-directors, Mark Dignan, PhD, Kevin Pearce, MD, MPH, and Nancy Schoenberg, PhD. It is supported by a central REACH office within the CCTS and five REACH Field Offices located within the UK Centers for Rural Health (Danville, Hazard, Madisonville, Morehead, & Murray). Research personnel at each of these offices include research study coordinators and clinical faculty liaisons who engage the community in research and support research initiatives.

The REACH program supports individuals in developing and conducting community-based participatory research by:

• Identifying and developing potential partnerships among the lay, practice, and academic research communities.
• Providing field study coordinator and clinical liaison support for investigators.
• Providing community engagement research regulatory expertise.
• Consulting on community engagement applications for CCTS Pilot Funding.
• Consulting with and supporting development of Practice-Based Research Networks.
• Hosting the annual multidisciplinary PBRN Collaborative Conference.
• Supporting the Appalachian Translational Research Network.
• Co-hosting the Appalachian Health Summit.

For additional information on REACH or to access this service, please contact Carol White, Program Manager, at 859-218-0588 or crwhit3@email.uky.edu.