Radical Healing Community-Based Participatory Research to Eliminate Health Disparities

Abstract

The health disparities experienced by Black older adults are associated with social determinants of health, all of which are inextricably linked to anti-Black racism. Research led by counseling psychologists has implications for promoting mental and physical health equity. We describe a new model, based on the integration of the radical healing framework and the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, for promoting mental and physical health and wellness among Black older adults. This model is called the radical healing CBPR model. Finally, we provide an example of a program informed by this model that helped improve the health outcomes and quality of life of Black older adults living in the low-income area of a city in the southeastern part of the United States. Notably, Black adults similar to the program participants, participated in the development and implementation of this program in ways that are consistent with the radical healing CBPR model.