Nursing Innovator: Alex Solano-Umana Earns Recognition for Health Equity Research in Communities

Alex Solano-Umana has been awarded the 2024 Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Exceptional Community Partner in Research Award for her work on the Mid-Atlantic Center for Cardiometabolic Health Equity (MACCHE) Healthy for Two (H42) study. As Director of Community Outreach at the Lourie Center, Solano-Umana plays a critical role in the study, acting as a liaison between H42 and the center’s home visiting program.

In her role, Solano-Umana recruits participants, engages in community-based research, co-chairs the H42 coordinating council, and will be listed as a co-author on the H42 protocol paper. Kelly Bower PHD, MSN/MPH, BS, RN, a co-Principle Investigator for H42, nominated Solano-Umana for the award. Bower emphasized Solano-Umana’s critical role in shaping the intervention design and recruitment strategies of the H42 study.

Solano-Umana’s leadership has strengthened the relationship between The Lourie Center and H42, fostering a culture of dedication and collaboration towards shared health equity goals. Her contributions have been instrumental in advancing the H42 study and promoting community engagement in research initiatives. In March 2023, Solano-Umana participated as a panelist on the community partnerships panel at the launch of MACCHE. During the panel discussion, she shared insights on sustainability and success in community-based research, stressing the importance of collaboration and continuous feedback. Congratulations to Alex Solano-Umana on this well-deserved recognition for her outstanding work!