Working Together to Improve Health through Research and Outreach

The Community Engagement Program of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research creates a forum for patients, local residents, health professionals, and stakeholders to help ensure that research is beneficial and responsive to the health priorities of the Greater Baltimore community. This program aims to bring researchers and community partners together to share their knowledge, skills and resources with a common goal of improving community health.

Who We Are

The Community Research Advisory Council (C-RAC) leads our efforts to achieve this goal.  Formed in 2009, the C-RAC leads efforts to promote trust, understanding, and involvement in of the Greater Baltimore Community in research activities and educates researchers about community priorities.   We have chapters that serve Johns Hopkins Bayview and Johns Hopkins East Campus.

What We Do

• Work to ensure research is beneficial to all communities
• Share health information at community events
• Educate the public about health and research
• Inform researchers about community priorities

Major Accomplishments

• Hosted Community IRB Day to increase awareness of research ethics
• Linked 100 patients and families to scientists at the Research Forum
• Served as advisors for HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Asthma/COPD, and Aging research

Who Can Join

• Individuals who live, work and serve in Greater Baltimore
• Who are interested in health research AND want to serve the community

Time Commitment

Must be able to participate in up to 3 in person evening meetings per year and serve on one committee focused on board development, community education, or research review