Center for Healthy Communities staff are working with Dr. Betty Yung of the School of Professional Psychology on the Research and Evaluation Enhancement Project (REEP), sponsored by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. The purpose of REEP is to develop a minority health research agenda in Ohio and to create a culturally appropriate evaluation system for use in assessing the outcomes of health promotion projects funded through the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. After a statewide kickoff meeting in January 2005, a series of regional task forces undertook the task of crafting a minority health research agenda. In addition, a state-wide program evaluation work group has convened to create a culturally sensitive evaluation model for use in Commission funded programs. This evaluation model is available at the Commission’s web site: http://mih.ohio.gov/

In 2007, REEP conducted a telephone survey of the capacity building needs of Ohio minority health service provider organizations. Organizations surveyed were asked to indicate their level of need regarding technical assistance in 23 specific types of organizational activities. Additionally, focus groups were held with service providers in Akron, Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

REEP and the Ohio Commission on Minority Health sponsored a capacity-building conference for minority health organizations on September 5 and 6, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. Click here for conference brochure.