POWER Project Launch
The POWER Project is part of the NCI-funded VA-ACCERT Center.
On March 2nd, the OPT for Health team spent the day at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA to launch work on the POWER Project, a community-engaged research project to address social drivers of cancer disparities among residents of income-based housing in Virginia. Dr. Jessica LaRose is the Academic Lead of the project, working alongside Community Lead Janet Plent.
Phase I of the project includes conducting surveys, photovoice, focus groups, and environmental scans in order to help better understand resident experiences as well as the physical environments of income-based housing communities. Phase II will apply the findings of Phase I to develop a multilevel intervention aimed at mitigating cancer risk for income-based housing residents by promoting nutrition quality and physical activity. This program will include digital support and resources, community-based activities, as well as changes to the physical environment of housing communities that will have a lasting effect on access to nutritious foods and opportunities for safe physical activity.
Visit the POWER Project website for more information and links to community resources.
