An Ideas Lab is an intensive, interactive, and free-thinking environment. A diverse group of participants from various scientific disciplines and backgrounds meets in a (virtual) room to tackle a highly complex problem. Participants are immersed in a collaborative thinking process to construct innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.
2022 Ideas Lab Funding Opportunity: Transforming Systems for Radical Healing and Health Equity among Boys and Men of Color
The UConn Health Disparities Institute and the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP) offer pilot/seed funding for teams to implement innovative practice, policy, or community-based research solutions in transforming systems for radical healing and health equity among Boys and men of color (BMOC). This grant opportunity focuses on behavioral health (mental health and substance use), trauma, incarceration and justice, and HIV/AIDS. This funding opportunity is made possible by support from the Connecticut Health Foundation and Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
BMOC has tremendous potential to contribute to the economic vitality of our nation and world. However, this potential is hemorrhaged by gendered health inequities. Data across time affirms that BMOC has some of the most disparate health outcomes due to social determinants and broader social factors operating where they live, play, pray, learn, and receive healthcare.
The disappearance of BMOC from across our nation is unconscionable and preventable. We must unite in collective action to advance health equity among BMOC – now, more than ever. We seek to identify multi-sector research, practice, and/or policy-based innovations that will transform systems for radical healing and health equity among boys and men of color.
A practice solution might include but is not limited to innovation in service delivery, especially healthcare services, for BMOC or a program that addresses upstream social determinants of health factors, such as access to housing, food, or education. A policy solution might include but is not limited to legislative advocacy to pass a new law that improves health outcomes among BMOC or institutional policy in a particular sector, such as healthcare or education that facilitates health and well-being among BMOC.
We are explicitly interested in community-based research proposals linked to practical application. In other words, how might your research proposal move the needle on BMOC health equity on the ground? What would equitable systems where BMOC thrive look like? How do you propose we get there using research, practice, and/or policy innovation and harnessing the collective creative energy of a multi-sector, multi-disciplinary team?
Please be sure to thoroughly review all information, particularly eligibility criteria, outlined above before submitting your intent to pitch form.
For reference to assist teams with completing the form, please find all the requested information on the intent to pitch form (PDF).
Don't hesitate to contact UConn HDI at hdievents@uchc.edu with questions on the pitch event and pilot funding application process.