Development of the Soldier Health Promotion to Examine and Reduce Health Disparities (SHPERHD) Project Coordinating Center: challenges and opportunities within a university/community partnership

Mil Med. 2011 Jul;176(7):757-62. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-10-00465.

Abstract

The Soldier Health Promotion to Examine and Reduce Health Disparities (SHPERHD) Project was designed to be a partnership between the Institute for Partnerships to Eliminate Health Disparities at the University of South Carolina and the Fort Jackson United States Army Base located in Columbia, South Carolina. SHPERHD Project researchers are studying problems related to obesity and weight management, musculoskeletal injuries and infection, and mental health issues during recruitment, basic training, and post-deployment. In order to successfully develop targeted interventions to prevent and lower the incidence of injury, promote healthy nutrition, and decrease mental health issues, at the same time also reducing disparity gaps, the SHPERHD Project comprises a professional, technical, and administrative staff with specific competence in the operation of a Coordinating Center to handle the wide variety of areas related to military studies. This article discusses the procedures and processes that were implemented in the development of the SHPERHD Project Coordinating Center.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Diet
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Interinstitutional Relations
  • Mental Health
  • Military Facilities
  • Military Personnel*
  • Occupational Injuries / prevention & control
  • Program Development
  • South Carolina
  • Universities