Rigorously Pursuing Excellence

Meharry Medical College’s Research and Innovation Enterprise

Meharry Medical College exists to improve the well-being of humankind and empower diverse underserved populations by advancing health equity through research, education, health services and policy leadership.

We are transforming research to align micro to macro scales of inquiry, prioritizing pre-clinical equity upstream to reduce health care disparities downstream. Our goal is to increase healthspan, not merely lifespan. The more ease and order we promote, the more disease and disorder we prevent.

Working in collaboration with federal, corporate and institutional partners, Meharry investigators explore the scientific, environmental and social factors disproportionately affecting the health of minority communities and those living in poverty.

Immersive community research – and our nearly 150-year heritage of healing – connects the laboratory to the bedside and equips faculty, staff and students with unmatched insight and impact. Investment in Meharry’s research and innovation enterprise pays a return on mission: to improve the well-being of humankind.

Science for Life. Innnovating Healthcare Breakthroughs.

Investment in Meharry’s research enterprise pays a return on mission: to improve the well-being of humankind.

SPARK research and innovation, PROMOTE a living-learning collaborative environment, ENHANCE the student experience

African Americans views of COVID-19 contact tracing and testing

Published in Am J Infect Control, May 2022

Authors: Chioma Kas-Osoka, Jamal Moss, Leah Alexander, Jamaine Davis, Imari Parham, Iman Barre, Jennifer Cunningham-Erves

We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore views towards contact tracing and testing among 62 African Americans. Based on our findings, participants identified COVID-19 testing and contact tracing as beneficial, yet medical and governmental mistrust, stigma associated with SARS-CoV-2, lack of access, poor communication, and costs as major barriers. This study also highlights intervention targets to improve COVID-testing and contact tracing.