Community engagement models seek to include the community in the development process to achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes, relationships, discourse, and decision-making. This approach is a powerful methodology that seeks to address health disparities and inequities by directly involving the affected community. In the context of the Black population in Surrey, this approach recognizes the importance of understanding the unique challenges they face in terms of systemic discrimination and marginalization that impact their health outcomes. Through community engagement, Afiya emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and empowerment, and it involves the following key steps:

  • Establishing relationships with the Black community leaders and members in Surrey.

    Leveraging existing community-academic partnerships to ensure trust and a shared understanding of the research goals.

    Involving Black leaders in the planning and development of investigative focus groups.

  • Conducting informant interviews with Black community leaders to gain insights into the specific health disparities and challenges faced by the community.

    Organizing investigative focus groups with community members to explore their experiences within the healthcare system and how systemic discrimination has affected their health.

  • Utilizing an equity-centered design model to guide the community engagement process, ensuring that interventions and initiatives are tailored to address the specific needs of the Black population in Surrey.

    Collaborating with community members to co-create research questions, methodologies, and interventions that are culturally sensitive and appropriate.

  • Creating a culturally safe environment for participants to share their experiences and perspectives throughout the community engagement process.

    Validating the lived experiences of Black individuals through the acknowledgment of the diverse range of challenges they encounter.

  • Empowering the Black community by involving them in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership over the research outcomes.

    Translating research findings into actionable interventions such as tailored healthcare services, educational initiatives, and community empowerment programs.