The overarching objective of the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science (LA CaTS) Center is to transform the clinical and translational research efforts of our region away from the status quo, where institutions operate in isolation to pursue their institutional missions, and toward a cohesive, mutually supportive enterprise for clinical and translational research. The LA CaTS Center represents a unified, comprehensive approach targeting the theme of “addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes in our underserved population with chronic diseases. Visit website here 

In partnership with the Xavier Health & Wellness Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, and the College of Pharmacy, CMHDRE is representing Xavier University in the Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance against COVID-19 Health Disparities (LA-CEAL) grant. LA-CEAL is an alliance of universities, healthcare professionals, community pharmacies, faith-based and non-profit organizations, and Federally Qualified Health Centers working collaboratively to halt the damaging impacts of COVID-19 on communities of color, especially underserved and vulnerable groups. The project hopes to understand community perceptions of COVID-19 prevention, treatment, including vaccines and vaccine trials, and to provide reliable, trustworthy education and resources through the HALT COVID LA education program. HALT COVID LA will address the concerns of the community and enable informed decision-making about treatment and participation in COVID-19 trials and other health programs. The project is funded through the National Institutes of Health and is one of eleven teams nationwide. Visit Website Here.