TACTS-The Association of Clinical Trial Service-501-c-3, is a community- based non-profit organization designed to provide prevention-intervention education and awareness for people impacted/infected by health ailments as it relates to evidence based/clinical trials and community research. We are a Black, Woman, Veteran organization, interested in collaborating with other organizations on issues surrounding health equity and social justice.
(TACTS) promotes science, research and biomedical/health literacy by relaying the latest findings from medical/clinical, academia, private, industry and community leaders on various concerns related to public health. More specifically we are addressing barriers for receiving quality and access to health care among marginalized sub-populations though our health equity and social justice initiatives.
TACTS is dedicated to the educational awareness and social marketing for clinical trials research, specializing in Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR). We support the increasing participation of people of color (Blacks and Latinos) within clinical and community-based research. TACTS can offer expertise about understanding treatments as well as, how to get involved in clinical research as either an advocate or participant.
OUR CURRENT EFFORTS
Due to a lack of specific localized health data and sub-par surveillance reporting practices there is a need for a public health specialist, such as an epidemiologist to provide better data reporting through the means of evidence-based research. We are pushing for the assistance to improve the health and wellbeing of Illinois Veterans, women, and people of color.
Create and conduct epidemiological profile studies using mix-methods and (Community Based Participatory Research) CBPR approaches
Conduct focus groups to seek out various perspective and possible solutions as it pertains to quality improvement of health and wellness.
Collect, analyze and disseminate data gathered in public reports.
Assist to implement new and improved care based on evidence presented.
Advocate for health equity and social justice policies and program advances for access to care including mental and substance abuse treatment, as well as, behavioral interventions, with emphasis on Black veterans and their familes..
Provide training to become Community Health Workers (CHW) which will include science, biomedical and health literacy, patient navigation, community health data, CBPR fundamentals, peer-lead group level interventions as well as, basic understanding of evaluation measures and tools. Trained CHWs will also learn how to serve on various community advisory boards within the VA health care system.
TACTS was created by Community Epidemiologist, Sista Yaa Simpson. After working with the Chicago Department of Public Health for over 18 years, Sista Yaa started the non-for-profit organization in 2007 in an effort to bring a HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) to the Chicago area. And she continues to focus on how to measure improved health outcomes through concepts of health equity and social justice.
As the organization’s Community Epidemiologist and Bioethicist, she brings the science to the people like a griot who brings news to the village. TACTS motto ‘Bringing Science to the People’.
