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Flint CARES: Community Aligned Research for Equitable Solutions

Flint CARES is a community-focused public health research initiative based in Flint, Michigan. We work with the greater Flint community to advance health equity and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Through collaborative partnerships and data-driven action, we aim to foster healthier lives and lay the foundation for a better future.

Community-Engaged Approach

Flint CARES operates on the principle that community and academic partnerships are essential for meaningful change. We bring together and collaborate with local organizations, residents, and academic institutions. By aligning research efforts with the community’s priorities, we ensure that our work is relevant and beneficial to those it serves.

A core part of our approach is using data to inform action. We leverage publicly accessible health data and connect with other organizations to obtain additional information, building a comprehensive picture of Flint’s health needs. By combining these data with on-the-ground community insights, we can identify disparities, track progress, and work together to develop solutions that for everyone.

Key Initiatives and Resources

  • Health Equity Report Cards (HERCs): Flint CARES provides interactive Health Equity Report Cards (HERCs) for communities in Michigan (currently Genesee County and St. Clair County). The HERCs support the health and well-being of Michigan residents by providing understandable, relevant, and actionable health outcome data. By clearly showing where health disparities exist and how different groups are faring, these report cards help stakeholders pinpoint gaps and opportunities. Understanding the current state of health disparities in our communities allows us to better address their causes and support prevention efforts, ultimately helping us all live in a healthier community and create better lives for generations to come.
  • Flint Community Webinar: We host the Flint Community Webinar on the second Friday of every month from noon to 1 PM. This webinar series provides a local context to important public health topics in Flint and Genesee County. Each session features conversations with local, state, or national experts on issues ranging from environmental health to disease prevention, and includes information on community resources. The webinar is designed to be interactive – community members can ask questions and get answers in real time. This monthly forum helps ensure that residents have the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and their community.

Who We Serve

Flint CARES is for everyone. Our resources and programs are designed to benefit:

  • Residents and Community Leaders: Find accessible information and tools to understand and improve health in your neighborhood.

  • Researchers and Students: Access local public health data and community insights to inform research projects, while building partnerships with community members.

  • Policymakers and Health Professionals: Use our data and findings to guide policy decisions and develop programs that address the specific needs of Flint and surrounding communities.

By engaging a broad audience, from families and grassroots organizers to academics and decision-makers, Flint CARES ensures that knowledge is shared widely and used to drive equitable solutions.

Community Partnerships

Flint-based organizations, academic institutions, local leaders, and residents work in collaboration to provide understandable, relevant, and accessible public health data and information.