Wright State University will host the State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience (SOAR) Community and Research Summit on Monday, aiming to enhance the representation of historically overlooked communities in mental health research. The event is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Atlantis Room of Wright State's Student Union.
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Organized by the Boonshoft School of Medicine, the summit will gather researchers, clinicians, community organizations, patients, and families to discuss underrepresented populations, including individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Larrilyn Grant, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and director of the Division of Research at the Boonshoft School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of involving these communities in research efforts rather than simply studying them. She stated that collaboration among researchers, clinicians, students, and community members is crucial for making mental health research more inclusive.
The summit is part of the SOAR initiative, which studies the varying experiences of mental health challenges and resilience among different groups in Ohio. The project is supported by a $20 million state grant and involves 16 universities and healthcare systems across the state, including Wright State.
The initiative has conducted a statewide wellness survey involving around 15,000 Ohioans and the SOAR Brain Health Study, which engaged approximately 1,600 families. Since joining the SOAR initiative in 2024, Wright State aims to connect researchers with SOAR data, develop new research questions, and strengthen ties with community organizations and healthcare providers.
Organizers believe that hosting the summit in Dayton will allow local residents and organizations to influence research priorities, ensuring that future mental health studies adequately reflect the communities they serve.