Health Research for Action
Health Research for Action (HRA) is a research center in UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, focused on reducing health disparities. We believe that people and communities are the experts about their own needs and the ways to meet them. Our translational research helps communities identify health-related needs and then co-design solutions.
Our center is the brainchild of Dr. Leonard Syme, a pioneer of social epidemiological research, and Dr. Linda Neuhauser, a multidisciplinary researcher at UC Berkeley. Over 25 years ago they brought together researchers and communications experts to put health equity in everyone’s reach.
Our research team includes physicians, epidemiologists, medical sociologists, and public health experts who use qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct community and health disparities research, evaluate health programs, and craft policy. We work with government agencies, community organizations, and health-focused companies. We develop collaborative relationships with community groups serving specific populations and work in a participatory manner.
Some of our methods include:
- Evaluation methods like needs assessment, environmental scans, and formative research in communities
- Focus groups
- Individual interviews
- Surveys
Our communications work also uses the methods and follows the ethics of research and evaluation, seeking understanding from primary and secondary sources and preserving the autonomy and privacy of our collaborators. Our communications team creates understandable, actionable health materials based on insights from health disparities research. We are among the earliest practitioners of and experts in health literacy principles and best practices.
Our communication work includes:
- Content development
- Health literacy content assessment
- Usability testing
- Strategic planning
- Health literacy training