Community
Working Toward Our Shared Future
Academic research alone cannot build a thriving Long Island. To cultivate true health equity and climate readiness, we need the people who know these neighborhoods, shorelines, and community needs best: You.
Our team wants to support bold ideas that make a lasting difference. We work side-by-side with local leaders to co-create solutions that support long, healthy lives in every town, village, and hamlet on the Island.
Research-Backed, Community Driven
Our process starts with the Community Health Needs Assessment. This report outlines what Long Islanders say their top health priorities are. Whenever we explore a project, we align it with this resource to make sure we stay true to our mission.
We also rely closely on our Community Advisory Board, which is made up of individuals and community groups from across Suffolk and Nassau Counties and the Shinnecock and Unkechaug Nations. This board advises and helps drive research priorities to make sure that the questions we ask lead to meaningful action.
Our team at HECMR sticks to our ABCs when it comes to starting a research or community project.
Ask
Community members, health care providers, and researchers identify a problem or opportunity. They bring those ideas to HECMR.
Bridge
HECMR identifies potential partners and funding for research or programs.
Collaborate
Community members, health care providers, and researchers work together to collect data, develop an idea, or build a strategy.
Develop
The collaborators work together to implement the idea with HECMR's support.
Evaluate
Everyone works together to collect data and improve the work. HECMR provides evaluation and communication support.
Our Active Projects
Learning About Health on Nature Walks
HECMR partners with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Office of Minority Health to connect clinicians to their nature walk series. This gives Suffolk County residents access to ask health questions while experiencing how nature impacts their health.
Developing Workshops That Dive Into What Makes Us Healthy
HECMR is working with the Center for Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida to build Long Island-specific workshops about the opportunities and barriers to health in our local environment.
Opening Doors to Partnership
We want to work with you. We have many options for you to get engaged with our office, research, and programming.
Share Your Insight
You know the daily realities of your community better than anyone. Are you noticing a new health challenge tied to the changing environment? Start a conversation with our team so we can look into research solutions.
Co-Create a Project
Do you have a research question or know of a local solution that is going well? Reach out to partner with a researcher who can help you build out a project or study why that solution works. Your input can make a healthier Long Island.
Request a Speaker or Workshop
Our network of researchers and clinicians are looking for opportunities to be connected with the community. Have them come speak to your group or lead a workshop.
It’s Time to Get Involved
Building a healthier, more resilient world can’t wait. There are many ways you can make a difference.
