Partnerships are crucial in bridging the gap between community and research and benefit all parties.
The community's needs are addressed in context whereas the researchers are able to work closely with community members during all stages of the research process. Researchers are able to create intervention strategies and shape study protocols so that they are culturally appropriate. Community groups enhance community support for research and disseminate information on the value of participation. Partnerships are especially valuable when working with minority populations who often undergo a disproportionate amount of potentially harmful environmental and occupational exposures. Desired outcomes of these partnerships include increasing the future capacity of the community to address health concerns and to empower the community groups to more effectively conduct research.