The Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity is proud to announce that Dr. Bess Marcus and her research team — Dr. David Williams, Tanya Benitez, Shira Dunsiger, Lauren Bohlen, Erik Loucks and Rachelle Edgar— have received an NIH R0-1 grant totaling $3,372,389 over five years. This study focuses on reducing health disparities among Latinas, who experience a high incidence of chronic disease and premature mortality.

This research will address a critical need by exploring ways to empower Latina women to adhere to physical activity (PA) guidelines, with particular emphasis on managing stress, which can hinder the adoption of healthy habits. Through an innovative SMART study design, the team will provide evidence-based PA interventions, combined with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for those struggling to meet PA goals. This approach seeks to reduce stress and improve overall health outcomes, with long-term benefits for heart health.

We applaud Dr. Marcus and her team for their dedication to health equity and look forward to the impact this research will make on the lives of Latinas and their communities.