For almost two decades, with the help of people like you, the Detroit URC has advanced and supported community-based participatory research (CBPR) efforts to promote health equity in Detroit.

What we want to emphasize today is: This work makes a real difference. Here are a few highlights of what the Detroit URC and its affiliated partnerships have accomplished:

• Improved health status of hundreds of Detroit residents, for example, by lowering blood glucose levels of adults with diabetes, reducing children's asthma symptoms and unscheduled medical visits, and reducing blood pressure and body mass index among walking group participants;
• Hired over 350 Detroit community members, enhancing their skills and economic opportunities;
• Forged positive new relationships between Detroit's African American and Latino communities; and
• Trained and supported scores of students, post-doctoral scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the use of a CBPR approach to address health inequities.

There are dozens of other successes we could mention, ranging from partnership formation to translation of research results into policy change. This is why the Detroit URC is recognized internationally for engaging community, academic and health service organization partners.

Right now, as you consider your year-end giving, you can help us in our efforts to sustain our pioneering work in CBPR.

We are asking you to consider donating to the Detroit URC. Your gift will make a difference by supporting student involvement and learning, and by enabling us to continue collaborative partnerships in Detroit such as those mentioned above.

Your gift will improve people's lives and promote health equity in Detroit.

You can make a tax-deductible contribution online by visiting this website.

If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to the University of Michigan, with "Detroit Urban Research Center" on the memo line. Mail to:

University of Michigan School of Public Health
Development & Alumni Relations
1415 Washington Heights, Ste. 1800
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

On behalf of the Detroit URC Board and those who benefit from our work, we thank you! We will contine to stay in touch.

Barbara Israel

P.S. Our Board members are a key part of our success, and worth getting to know. Learn more about them here.