Leveraging Research to Engage Communities
The last flag bearers of an era': how coronavirus threatens a generation of black Americans (April 2020) (News Article)
Xavier University faculty highlight the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the African-American community.
Prolonged Pandemic Impacts Mental Health, Experts Say (Sept. 16, 2020) (News Article)
Xavier University faculty forecast the longterm effects of the pandemic on mental health and the disparate impact on communities of color.
Black patients are wary of a coronavirus vaccine. Can Louisiana research fix decades of distrust? (Dec. 9, 2020) (News Article)
Insights from the African American Community": Ahead of the release of the first COVID-19 vaccine, Xavier University faculty address the public regarding vaccine concerns in a climate of vaccine mistrust.
Black patients are less likely to get coronavirus vaccine. Could Louisiana research help fix distrust? (Dec. 15, 2020) (News Article)
Xavier University College of Pharmacy researchers engaged with local media to address vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19 vaccine concerns on the eve of the release of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Side effects, safety, trust: 5 things we learned from coronavirus vaccine experts? (Jan 28, 2021) (News Article)
As the vaccine roll out is prioritized to reach the most vulnerable patients first, Xavier University College of Pharmacy faculty address COVID-19 vaccine concerns as general public vaccine roll out begins.
My NOLA, My Story: Muslim Americans and Health Disparities in New Orleans featuring Dr. Sara Al-Dahir (May 5, 2021) (Xavier University of Louisiana - YouTube)
Muslim Americans and Health Disparities in New Orleans with Dr. Sara al-Dahir is part of My Nola, My Story, a Digital Humanities project by Xavier University of Louisiana's Mass Communication departments students, led by Dr. Shearon Roberts. This report was produced by Noor Alrashed.
COVID-19 Vaccine 101: Is the Vaccine for ME? A community Informational Session featuring Dr. Christopher Gillard (Mar. 10, 2023) (AAC COVID-19 Vaccine Community Info Session - YouTube)
Ascension Alumnae Chapter gathers community experts to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine. This panel features Xavier University Clinical Associate Professor, Dr. Christopher Gillard.
COVID-19 Vaccine Panel Discussion featuring Dr. Christopher Gillard (Jan. 6, 2021) (The Advocate and LCMC Health - YouTube)
The Advocate and LCMC Health gather a panel of medical experts to discuss the coronavirus vaccine. This panel features Xavier University Clinical Associate Professor, Dr. Christopher Gillard.
The Importance of Trust featuring Xavier COP faculty (Oct. 27, 2021) (RADX-UP)
Xavier College of Pharmacy faculty address the larger scientific community in leveraging community trust to increase vaccine uptake.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Fact vs Fiction featuring Dr. Christopher Gillard (April 29, 2021) (Delgado Community College - YouTube)
Delgado Community College gathers community experts to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine. This panel features Xavier University Clinical Associate Professor, Dr. Christopher Gillard.
Out of Crisis, Still in COVID: What Do We Do Next? featuring Dr. Sara Al-Dahir (Feb. 19, 2023) (Louisiana Department of Health - YouTube)
The Louisiana Department of Health gathers community and health experts to discuss steps to continue to manage COVID-19 beyond the pandemic. This panel features Xavier University Clinical Professor, Dr. Sara Al-Dahir.
XULA Professors and Alums Seek Equity, Awarded Grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Aug. 24, 2022) (Announcement)
Xavier University of Louisiana stands as a leading institution in healthcare research, particularly within African American communities. With prestigious NIH funding, professors like Dr. LaKeisha Williams and Dr. Sara Al-Dahir are at the forefront of initiatives addressing health disparities. Their work spans across various significant projects like RCMI, LA-CEAL, TMIST, and RADx-UP, focusing on COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and broader health concerns. This comprehensive article details Xavier's collaborative efforts with healthcare clinics, pharmacies, and community organizations, highlighting their commitment to improving health equity. Special emphasis is given to Xavier’s role in vaccine hesitancy research, breast cancer screening, and inclusion in clinical trials, reflecting the university's dedication to creating a just and humane society through healthcare research and community engagement.
Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy Research Presented to President Biden’s Administration (Feb. 5, 2021) (Announcement)
Led by Dr. Al-Dahir, Clinical Professor at Xavier University of Louisiana, this pioneering research project delves into vaccine hesitancy within African American populations. Recognizing the impending challenges beyond COVID-19 testing, the team's innovative approach focuses on understanding and increasing vaccine uptake in communities of color. With a substantial $958,000 NIH grant, Xavier was the sole HBCU among numerous institutions to receive funding for this crucial research. The project involves comprehensive surveys, pharmacist training, and community engagement, aiming to overcome historical health system mistrust and enhance cultural competency in healthcare. Dr. Al-Dahir's commitment, echoed by Dr. Christopher Gillard and the College of Pharmacy students, underlines the university's dedication to global health equity and community service, honoring Norman C. Francis's vision of empowering students of color in medical fields.