Our Mission

You are here: The Illinois Prevention Research Center (PRC) supports with science community changes in policy and the environment to reduce chronic disease risk, especially in vulnerable communities. To achieve this mission, the Illinois PRC engages communities, community agencies, small businesses, state and local governmental agencies, and other partners in interdisciplinary prevention research. Together, we …

Nutrition | Illinois Prevention Research Center | University of Illinois at Chicago

You are here: ©iStockphoto.com/Monkey Business Images Easy availability of fruits and vegetables — along with whole grains and low-fat, low-sugar drinks — is critical to lowering obesity in our communities. In low-income and predominantly black neighborhoods, where obesity rates are highest, supermarkets and stores that sell produce and other healthy grocery items are scarce. Convenience …

Publications | Illinois Prevention Research Center | University of Illinois at Chicago

You are here: Our communications aim to achieve these goals: Disseminate scientific evidence to improve environment, programs and policies supporting health-optimizing behaviors. Foster translation of this evidence from academia to actual practice and policy. Promote use of evidence-based programs and policies. Enhance the capacity of communities to promote health and prevent chronic disease, especially communities …

Evaluation | Illinois Prevention Research Center | University of Illinois at Chicago

You are here: Framework for program evaluation, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We evaluate policy and environmental approaches to improving community health and lowering disease risk for vulnerable populations. Our core applied public health research project evaluates the effects of a Chicago initiative to renovate over 300 playlots. We provide technical …

Obesity Research

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Almost one in three Illinois adults (29.3 percent) in 2014 were obese, up from 20.4 percent in 2000, according to the Trust for America’s Health. One in five Illinois children ages 10 to 17 are obese. As a result, Illinois health care professionals are treating an increasing number of patients with obesity-related disease such as …

Community Advisors | Illinois Prevention Research Center | University of Illinois at Chicago

You are here: Illinois PRC Committee Advisory Committee members who attended the February 2016 meeting. Back row, from the left: Melanie Moore, Elissa Bassler, Michael Lange (committee chair), Jaime Dircksen. Front row, from the left: Malik Nevels, Melody Geraci, Rebecca Weinberg, Nicole Llorens, Jameika Sampson. The Illinois PRC has established several formal groups to play …

Our Team | Illinois Prevention Research Center | University of Illinois at Chicago

You are here: Illinois PRC investigators at the CDC Prevention Research Centers kickoff meeting in November 2014. From the left: Lisa Powell, Sandy Slater, and Karen Peters. Dr. Powell is professor and director of the Division of Health Policy and Administration in the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health. She is a …

Our Research

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Prevention Research Centers (PRCs) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention work with at-risk communities to promote health, prevent chronic diseases, and address behaviors and environmental factors that affect chronic disease. As a PRC, we are focused on scalable research results. Our goal is to establish health promotion and disease prevention strategies that …

Epilepsy | Illinois Prevention Research Center | University of Illinois at Chicago

For many of them, frequent and severe seizures can severely undermine their ability to work, sustain relationships, live independently, and even think clearly. They often encounter stigma and may experience depression. The majority of patients in epilepsy clinics are people with these challenges, yet their seizures and quality of life can be considerably improved with …

Training | Illinois Prevention Research Center | University of Illinois at Chicago

You are here: Participants in an interactive breakout session at the 2015 Change Institute. UIC Photo/MidAmerica Center for Public Health Practice Training is one of the Illinois PRC’s key offerings to public health practitioners. We developed our training plan to address national public health priorities as well as recommendations by key informants in the Illinois …