Radical listening to reduce stroke disparities

Black Americans are twice as likely to experience a stroke and face worse outcomes compared to their white peers. But a new project supported by the University of Minnesota CTSA is working to change that.

The community-engaged research study started with focus groups and is now turning its attention to training “stroke champions” who can educate the rest of their community.

Niloufar Hadidi, PhD, APRN, CNS-BC, FAHA, an Associate Professor with the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota, is conducting the study with her community partner, Clarence Jones, MEd, of Hue-MAN.

Social influencing to stop strokes

“People have to be able to relate to information in order to make a decision, and community members need to see that they’re part of the picture,” says Jones. “When stroke champions from within our community are out there repeating the important messages and having authentic conversations, that’s what will make an impact. And, as a community member, that’s why I’m hopeful.” 

The idea is that conversations ensue and the information spreads, attuning an underserved and at-risk community to the realities of stroke prevention.

“Ultimately, research is about helping the community,” says Dr. Hadidi. “By building trust and sharing what we know about strokes, we’ll be empowering people to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of those around them.”