Current Projects
Below is a list of health research-related projects that are currently taking place.
Research Collaborations
Enhancing Diabetes Management with Pharmacists and Community Health Workers (ENRxICH)
Diabetes Management Project
In collaboration with UW-Madison and The University of Michigan, the study aims to identify the best way to enhance diabetic care. We are interested in understanding two types of support: (1) a pharmacist focusing on medication management and (2) a community health worker providing possible solutions to address life challenges that might be affecting health and diabetes and discussing diabetes beliefs.
Bridging Cultures: Redefining registries for Latino Communities Affected by Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Project
In collaboration with UW-Madison, the intent of this project is to understand Latino/a/e/x adults' perceptions about research participation in registries and co-develop prototypes for engagement and retention of participants in the Brain Heath Community Registry.
Viva la Salud para Hombres Boricuas
In collaboration with The Medical College of Wisconsin, this is a two-arm parallel, randomized trial designed to asses the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of ¡Viva La Salud! for Puerto Rican Men, a telehealth lifestyle and behavioral intervention.
Hogar Seguro Vida Activa: Older adult Fall Prevention Project
The primary goal of the Hogar Seguro, Vida Activa (Secure Homes, Active Lives) is to implement a comprehensive falls prevention program specifically designed for low-income older adults (60+) and their caregivers with a bilingual component. This will be achieved through a multi-faceted approach that integrates structured physical activities, home modifications, and educational interventions. Over the course of the two-year project, UCC staff, along with the expertise of a Physical Therapist, will serve participants currently engaged in UCC’s senior services programs. The project aims to significantly improve the safety and well-being of older adults and their caregivers by reducing fall risks and promoting independence.
Systems Change Projects:
Regional Dementia Consortium _ WPP
The overall system's goal is to create a regional system of virtual services and mobile memory clinic services to reduce language, cultural, geographic, financial, and other socioeconomic barriers with the aim of improving access to timely services and support for Latinos with dementia symptoms and their family caregiver.
Public Health Education Projects:
La Hora de Salud
La Hora de Salud is a Spanish-language radio program that informs, educates, and connects Milwaukee's Latino community around important health topics. Each week, our hosts Gabriela Diéguez and Shary Pérez speak with experts, community leaders, and local residents about how to improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Community Opioid Prevention
A project funded by the DHS that seeks to educate our community about opioid misuse and prevention.
Pisando Fuerte
UCC has three certified facilitators and one master trainer of the Evidence Based Program, Pisando Fuerte. Pisando Fuerte is an 8-session fall prevention program for Spanish-speaking older adults, adapted from the "Stepping On" program to improve balance, strength, and safety. It is a culturally tailored initiative for community-dwelling seniors, focusing on reducing injury risks. It also means "stepping strongly" or "making great strides" in Spanish.
Health Workforce Development
Cognitive Decline in Latinos Elective Class -UW-Innovation Project
Being the only bilingual memory clinic in Wisconsin, the UCC Memory Clinic and the Health Research department are partnering with the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and Public Health for a new elective course aimed at boosting doctor training, prevention and treatment to help with dementia in Latino communities.
Collaborations
Milwaukee Latino Health Coalition
Membership in this local group comprised of community and health providers serving the Latino community focusses on assessing needs and developing collective strategies for systemic changes leading to better outcomes for Latinos, including new research initiatives through a newly formed Research Action Committee.
*If you have any questions, or wish for further information about these projects, please contact Shary Perez, Program Director, at (414) 649-2839