The Puerto Rico Community Engagement Alliance (PR-CEAL), in collaboration with Castañer General Hospital, Inc. (CGH), has enhanced public health preparedness in rural areas of Castañer-Lares, Jayuya, Adjuntas, and Maricao. From October 2023 to June 2024, PR-CEAL impacted 150 participants through initiatives in clinical research, first responder support, and public health policy education.
Capacity Building for Mental Health First Responders (October 2023 – February 2024)
PR-CEAL and CGH, with Grupo NEXOS and the Commission for Suicide Prevention, offered training for community first responders. Grupo NEXOS’s “Apoyando al que Apoya” focused on self-care during disasters, while the Commission for Suicide Prevention’s “Cuidándonos: Estrategias de Autocuidado” addressed emotional fatigue and suicidal behavior response. These programs promoted self-care for healthcare workers and community leaders.
Capacity Building in Research Development (October 2023 – June 2024)
Dr. Lili Sardiñas & Karen Rivera conducting self-care training for first responders, provided by Grupo NEXOS through Apoyando al que Apoya
PR-CEAL’s training enhanced clinical research skills among the community and CGH personnel. Initiatives included “Implementation Research: Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice” by the Evidence-Based Practice Board and Alliance, and “Clinical Research Coordinator Certification” by Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust (PR-TRUST). Scheduled for June 28, 2024, “Community Engagement and Social Research” training by PR TRUST and The Alliance will further empower the community. Additionally, “Certification in Human Subjects Research” focused on ethical research practices.
Capacity Building in Public Policy (May 2023 – June 2024)
Responding to feedback, PR-CEAL announced a public policy training series. “Public Policy and Alliance: Impact on Research” includes “Citizen Participation Mechanisms” by the Office of Citizen Participation of the Puerto Rican Legislature, PR-CEAL, and Alliance, and “Strategies for Public Policy Development” by PR-CEAL and Alliance, scheduled for June 28, 2024. These initiatives aim to enhance community engagement and collective growth.
Acknowledgments
PR-CEAL thanks the Alliance, Grupo NEXOS, the Commission for Suicide Prevention, PR TRUST, and the Office of Citizen Participation of the Puerto Rican Legislature for their support. Their contributions have enhanced the Castañer community’s research, policy understanding, and mental health resilience. This initiative was made possible by NIH grant #(1OT2HL161827).
