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Researchers Receive $335,237 Grant from Missouri Foundation for Health

Saint Louis University has been awarded a three-year $335,237 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH).

Lisa Willoughby, Ph.D., Julia Ostropolsky , CEO of BIAS and Hisako Matsuo, Ph.D.

Hisako Matsuo, Ph.D. (right), the principal investigator of the grant, poses with Julia Ostropolsky (center), CEO of BIAS, and co-PI Lisa Willoughby, Ph.D. (left). Photo by Xiaoyu Wu, aviation science graduate student

Hisako Matsuo, Ph.D., professor of sociology and research methodology and a core faculty member of the Public and Social Policy Program in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology; and Lisa Willoughby, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychology, will partner with the community organization Bilingual International Assistant Services (BIAS) for this research project.

The goal of the grant project, "Steps to Better Health for Immigrants and Refugees: Reaching the Community through Evidence-based Practice," is to improve health outcomes for immigrants and refugees by developing a program using health coaches who are familiar with participants' languages and cultures in order to facilitate changes in health behaviors. The grant begins Nov. 1, 2015 and ends April 30, 2018.

American Healthcare System is very complicated to navigate even for Americans, and it is even more so for immigrants and refugees who have language and cultural Barriers," Matsuo said. "If the model is successful, we plan on advocating it not only for immigrants but also for those who are underserved.

Matsuo heads the Health Policy Research (HPR) Lab of her department, which focuses on applied and community-based research relevant to health issues to address health disparities. The MFH grant proposal was based on the results of needs assessment of immigrants and refugees funded by Community-University Health Research Partnership (CUHRP) grant through St. Louis Regional Health Commission.

"American Healthcare System is very complicated to navigate even for Americans, and it is even more so for immigrants and refugees who have language and cultural Barriers," Matsuo said. "If the model is successful, we plan on advocating it not only for immigrants but also for those who are underserved."

Richard Colignon, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, stressed the ongoing importance of this research.

"Dr. Matsuo has been conducting community-based research, focusing on immigrants in the St. Louis area since the late 1990s," Colignon said. "She has a network of various immigrant groups, service providers and researchers. This sort of network does not happen overnight, but is built through conscientious care and outstanding performance."

Willoughby also commented on the importance of the research data they will gather.

"This timely collaborative project represents a significant proactive effort toward addressing the gaps in the health needs of immigrants and refugees in our community," said Willoughby.

Matsuo and Willoughby will partner with the community organization Bilingual International Assistance Services (BIAS) on the study. Julia Ostropolsky, LCSW, President/CEO at BIAS and a co-principal investigator on the project, said they are excited to participate in the project.

"Bilingual International is honored to be a part of the effort to reach out to the most vulnerable residents of Missouri and improve their health outcomes," said Ostropolsky.

About the Missouri Foundation for Health
Funding for this project was provided in whole by Missouri Foundation for Health. The Foundation is a resource for the region, working with communities and nonprofits to generate and accelerate positive changes in health. As a catalyst for change, the Foundation improves the health of Missourians through a combination of partnership, experience, knowledge and funding.

About Bilingual International Assistant Services
Founded by former refugees in 2002, Bilingual International provides multilingual, wrap-around, holistic services to underserved communities in the St. Louis area and across Missouri. Bilingual International's mission is to ensure equal access to healthcare, mental health, and social services for all, regardless of national origin or language ability. Agency staff assists over 3,000 clients annually through advocacy, education, and direct multilingual services.

About Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of nearly 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.