At the recent American Evaluation Association (AEA) conference in Portland, School of Social Work PhD student Daniel Abusuampeh had the opportunity to share insights from the Racial Equity Learning Pilot (RELP) training evaluation—a project rooted in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in public health. The RELP training is an innovative, modular learning experience designed to equip staff from partner organizations, including public libraries, with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully with underrepresented populations in biomedical research.
The evaluation, a collaboration between the Network of the National Library of Medicine All of Us Program Center (NAPC) a federal agency and CRSP/RECI focused on racial equity, highlighted how RELP serves as a bridge for community-facing professionals to deepen their understanding of systemic racism. With public library staff as participants, the project was enriched by the perspectives of individuals who interact daily with diverse communities. These insights have not only refined the training modules but are expected to shape future DEI initiatives within the program.
The AEA conference provided a platform to discuss how such a multidisciplinary approach strengthens both the content and impact of racial equity training. By adapting live, webinar-based sessions into accessible, self-paced modules, RELP is making strides towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment in biomedical research—a crucial step forward in advancing health literacy and equity.