Research and Community Partnerships

2026 Funded Research Studies at the Osher Center

• The African Dance in Pregnancy Project, funded by the DFMCH Small Grant Program in 2026 (Hampton, PI). The Osher Center, in collaboration with the Center for Black Excellence and Culture (CBEC), will utilize space at the CBEC to hold dance classes and foster community for attendees who are pregnant or post-partum.
• Advancing Whole Health with the Wisdom of Communities, funded by the DFMCH Small Grant Program in 2025, is currently in a no-cost extension status for 2026 (Kuphal, PI). In partnership with the Allied Wellness Center, Osher taught the Whole Health model to community health workers (CHWs). The Whole Health workbook was then rewritten using a more culturally sensitive voice based on thoughtful input from the CHWs and will be used by CHWs to teach their clients.  
• Development and Assessment of Health-Specific Anti-Racism Resources Using the Novel Integrative Health Equity and Anti-Racism Tool (IHEART), funded by the Weil Foundation, is currently in a no-cost extension in 2026 (Minichiello, PI). Dr. Minichiello and colleagues from other academic institutions developed educational resources for fellowship directors to increase equity and inclusivity when educating fellows.
• The IMAGINE Project, Implementing Massage & Acupuncture to Achieve Better Pain Management in Oncology Care, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), is funded through October 2028. We serve as one of 35 implementation science sites (Dittus, UW–Madison Osher Site PI). IMAGINE brings proven approaches to everyday practice across 35 sites nationwide in the use of acupuncture and massage therapy for pain in patients with advanced cancer.