The NCCB Case Example: Reflections on a Successful Fourteen-Year CBPR Partnership

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research (CBPR)
• Health equity
• Social determinants of health (SDH)

Background:

• The Newark Community Collaborative Board (NCCB) has operated for 14 years, securing over $6 million in funding for nine research projects.
• Established from a community needs assessment in Newark, NJ, the NCCB comprises consumers, researchers, service providers, and residents focused on health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the NCCB's history and processes enabling community-based participatory research (CBPR).
• To detail the collaborative development and assessment of the Community Wise intervention for substance use reduction among formerly incarcerated men.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual manuscript drawing on NCCB meeting minutes.
• Group interview with three founding members.
• Review of documentation and interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• Identified five key ingredients for success: a clear vision, functional diversity, learning from challenges, effective board structure and relationships, and adequate funding.
• The NCCB evolved into the New Jersey Critical Consciousness Collaborative Board (NJ-3CB), joining a national network and a global campaign against racism.

Conclusions:

• The NCCB's journey demonstrates a successful model for community-based participatory research in addressing social determinants of health and promoting health equity.
• Transformations and continued growth are crucial for sustaining collaborative efforts in community health initiatives.