PCORI

About this Program

Heartland Wellness Connections is proud to partner with the University of Missouri and trusted community organizations across Kansas City as part of the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award Program. This project focuses on addressing the growing impact of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) in Hispanic communities, where diabetes rates are significantly higher and barriers to prevention, diagnosis, and care are often greater.

Through this award, we are building the capacity of patients, families, community leaders, and Hispanic-serving organizations to help shape future diabetes research and solutions. The project will train 60 Hispanic patients and community stakeholders, establish a strong Community Advisory Board (CAB), and create both short-term and long-term research priorities centered on real community needs and lived experiences.

Our work includes community discussion groups, bilingual training sessions, and partnerships with organizations like La Clínica, Mattie Rhodes Center, University of Missouri, and other trusted providers. Together, we are ensuring that research is not done to the community, but with the community, creating practical, culturally relevant solutions that improve prevention, management, and overall health outcomes. This effort supports Heartland Wellness Connections’ mission to improve health equity by meeting people where they are and helping families access the tools, education, and support they need for healthier lives.

For more information, email raquel.garcia@heartlandwc.org