Program Adaptation: Culturally-Responsive Approaches Webinar Recording

This webinar will delve into strategies for adaptation of evidence based programs to meet the unique needs of communities. The Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center has recruited experienced speakers to present on community engagement strategies to inform types of changes that will foster support as well as determining the resources that will aid in these processes. Moreover, methods for exploring the perspectives of diverse individuals and how to solicit input from stakeholders will be included. Strategies presented will emphasize the inclusion of evidence based program adaptation to enhance community engagement while maintaining program quality both of which influence and enhance overall outcomes. 

1. Identify when adaptation of evidence based programs is necessary
2. Identify common barriers when adapting programs for specific populations
3. Describe solutions to identified barriers of program adaptation
4. Identify resources related to program adaptation strategies

Anjali Deshpande, PhD, MPH

Director, Master of Public Health Program, Clinical Associate Professor

University of Iowa

Dr. Deshpande has an extensive background in public health, including the role of assistant professor in the Division of General Medical Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., and director of the graduate programs in Applied Health Behavior Research. Her areas of research interest include disparities in health behaviors and disease outcomes related to cancer, as well as the impact of multimorbidity (co-existing chronic health conditions) on quality of life outcomes of older adults. She was the consultant epidemiologist for the Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services from 2001 to 2003. In that role, she worked with chronic disease programs in the development and evaluation of programs, as well as with the Missouri Cancer Registry and BRFSS surveillance programs in data collection and analysis. Dr. Deshpande completed her PhD in epidemiology from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.; her MPH in epidemiology from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.; and her BS in microbiology from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

Melissa Buffalo, MS

Senior Clinical Research Specialist

Sanford Research

Melissa is a senior clinical research specialist with the Community Engagement and Innovation Division (CEID) for the Collaborative Research Center for American Indian Health (CRCAIH). Her work includes engaging with our tribal communities to promote and facilitate transdisciplinary research on American Indian health, support and increase community engagement and helping to build tribal capacity by identifying community health priorities through trainings, video blogs, working groups and resources. Melissa also helps to educate individuals who may be working with tribal communities on the historical and present context of American Indian populations.

Ruthie Isoz

Training Manager

Trailhead Institute

Ruthie lends her training expertise to Trailhead as our Training Manager and focuses on curriculum development and engagement in Partnership Development, Sustainability, Grant Administration, and Sexual Health. Additionally, she supports the development of the sexual health educator’s training cadre. Ruthie has a background in reproductive health and education across the lifespan. She is passionate about creating learning-centered educational experiences that help create change in communities. She has been a high school math teacher, a postpartum coach, a curriculum evaluation program manager, a trainer for teachers, and a sex educator.