At the Center for Evaluation and Survey Research, we partner with organizations to turn insights into meaningful impact. The following examples highlight how our work comes to life, helping improve the health and well-being of metro and rural communities.
Cancer prevention research initiative in rural Minnesota
Expanding cancer prevention research to central Minnesota brings access to studies that advance understanding of cancer risk and prevention. To ensure we connected in ways relevant to this rural community, we:
- Engaged local leaders and advocates to guide outreach and strengthen trust in Hutchinson and Olivia communities
- Promoted research participation so rural voices and experiences inform national cancer prevention efforts
- Built community partnerships that connect research participation with local health initiatives
Make It OK community campaign
We surveyed adults in selected Minnesota and Wisconsin communities to understand their beliefs around mental illness and stigma. Results showed that perceived community stigma has decreased significantly since 2019. Comfort discussing mental illness increased from 2017 to 2019 but decreased again in 2021.
Additionally, people of color indicated that they were more reluctant to seek care for their mental health. Recognizing these barriers has helped guide Make It OK to explore expanding partnerships and outreach. These results also provided insights that helped Make It OK adjust their trainings and messaging to best support communities in reducing the stigma of mental illnesses.
Community convening
We partnered with local leaders to design a tool that captures how community organizations collaborate. The tool asks targeted questions about joint efforts to address community issues, providing insights into what’s working well and where opportunities exist to strengthen partnerships and build capacity. Read our paper.
