Presentation description

This community-engaged research project includes two initiatives focused on improving access to care and developing culturally meaningful health materials: Resource Mapping and Turtle Island Tales. Both projects highlight the importance of listening to community voices, building trust, and ensuring that health outreach and education reflect the real needs of the communities they are intended to serve.

The Resource Mapping project involved identifying local support services near community health centers. The goal was to create a clear, easy-to-use guide that clinic staff can rely on to connect patients with non-clinical support. These may include services related to daily living needs that affect overall well-being. This work promotes a more complete approach to care by acknowledging that health is shaped by more than just medical treatment. It also helps strengthen the relationships between health centers and the communities they serve.

The second project, Turtle Island Tales, explores the use of artificial intelligence to create culturally appropriate children's storybooks for Native youth. These stories focus on wellness, cultural identity, and traditional teachings. Each book is reviewed by Native community members to ensure cultural accuracy and respect. Community feedback was gathered through interviews and focus groups with Native families to make sure the stories are engaging, relevant, and supportive of family learning.

Both projects show how community partnerships can improve how we deliver care and share knowledge. They emphasize that when research includes the voices and insights of those it serves, the outcomes are more meaningful and lasting.