Communities United Together for Health (CUT4Health): Activating Local Barbers & Hair Stylists As Agents of Change to Prevent Diabetes & Improve Health
Looking for an opportunity to be part of public health in action?
ProChange Behavior Solutions, a local research and development company founded by URI's Dr. James Prochaska, is working on an exciting new project in close collaboration with 19 barbers and hairstylists from several RI communities to improve the health of all Rhode Islanders and raise awareness about Ready for Health (i.e., the National Diabetes Prevention Program). The barbers and stylists all completed training to become certified lifestyle coaches for the National Diabetes Prevention Program and are now improving health from behind the chair, one conversation at a time. They are also inviting their clients to join the Communities United Together 4 Health (CUT4Health) interactive texting program, which ProChange developed. Participants get personalized tips about eating more fruit and vegetables, being physically active, and building resilience. They also get referrals to local resources for any unmet social needs they may have (e.g., food insecurity). Any RIer over the age of 18 who is not pregnant and does not have Type 1 diabetes is eligible to join this free program. Enrollment will be open until May, 2026.
ProChange meets regularly with the barbers and stylists to facilitate their recruitment efforts and is doing proactive outreach to community organizations to amplify the opportunity to take part in this program. A student will become an integral member of the outreach team, helping to create invaluable community connections to reach vulnerable communities in the state who bear a disproportionate burden of diabetes and other chronic conditions. You'll have a front row seat to how evidence-based digital health solutions can address unmet social needs and enhance health. Interested students should email Serena Sukhbaatar at ssukhbaatar@prochange.com with the subject line CUT4Health Student Opportunity.
Youth and Young Adult Cannabis Use Prevention Messaging Campaign
ProChange Behavior Solutions, a local research and development company founded by URI's Dr. James Prochaska, is working with two media agencies committed to advancing public health to develop an innovative cannabis and substance misuse prevention messaging campaign for Minnesota teens and young adults. The Minnesota Department of Health is supporting this effort. We will be conducting extensive formative research and qualitatively analyzing the data to inform the messaging campaign strategy. Virtual focus groups and interviews will be conducted with teens and young adults ages 13–24, as well as the trusted adults in their lives (such as family members, mentors, coaches, or older peers), to understand thoughts and experiences related to cannabis use. The sessions will be conducted in four languages: English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Participating students will have the opportunity to participate in the focus groups and interviews, learn the basics of qualitative data coding, and contribute to the team translating the themes into insights that will shape the message content and delivery channels. Interested students should email Sara Johnson at sjohnson@prochange.com with the subject line Youth and Young Adults Cannabis Use Prevention Campaign: Student Opportunity.
Cannabis Use Prevention Messaging Campaign for People who are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding, or Could Become Pregnant
ProChange Behavior Solutions, a local research and development company founded by URI's Dr. James Prochaska, is working with two media agencies committed to advancing public health to develop an innovative cannabis and substance misuse prevention messaging campaign for Minnesotans who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding. The Minnesota Department of Health is supporting this effort. We will be conducting extensive formative research and qualitatively analyzing the data to inform the messaging campaign strategy. Virtual focus groups and interviews will be conducted with people who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Interviews will also be conducted with health care providers and community health professionals who interact with and support individuals who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding to understand thoughts and experiences related to cannabis use. The sessions will be conducted in four languages: English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Participating students will have the opportunity to participate in the focus groups and interviews, learn the basics of qualitative data coding, and contribute to the team translating the themes into insights that will shape the message content and delivery channels. Interested students should email Serena Sukhbaatar at ssukhbaatar@prochange.com with the subject line MN Cannabis Use Prevention Campaign: Student Opportunity.
