The REACH Program from SMPH
As the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we are proud to sponsor the Research Bazaar, a pivotal event fostering collaboration and innovation in data science. This year, we’re excited to highlight the REACH program, a data science initiative from our Office of Informatics and Information Technology.
The REACH program, previously known as the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), stands at the forefront of data science application in public health within the UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). Our organization is unique, operating the only ongoing statewide-representative cohort in Wisconsin, modeled after the CDC’s NHANES study. Our work primarily involves collecting and managing extensive retrospective data and biospecimens, while also offering prospective services for researchers who wish to follow-up with our cohort or recruit new participants.
Our efforts support a wide range of research areas, including basic, clinical, and translational research, as well as epidemiology studies and public health biomonitoring projects. With a diverse collection of over 200,000 biospecimen aliquots and a rich database of over 2,000 survey variables across more than 60 research topics, REACH offers unparalleled resources for the research community.
We take pride in our non-clinically based sample, representing a significant portion of rural participants and underrepresented participants, including those living under the Federal Poverty Level or without stable health insurance. This diverse demographic makeup ensures that our data captures the health realities of underrepresented Wisconsin residents.
Furthermore, our cohort is statewide and includes traditionally underrepresented communities in health research. Our non-clinical recruitment platform, which encompasses door-to-door in-person recruitment and relationship building with trusted community partners, has allowed us to gather a representative sample and over-sample populations typically underrepresented in biomedical research.
At REACH, we continually strive to make our data more accessible and valuable to researchers. This includes linking our data with various databases to broaden research possibilities and providing services for novel protocol development and implementation, cohort follow-up, and recruitment for non-REACH participants.
Why Sponsoring the Research Bazaar is Important to Us
Through this sponsorship, SMPH aims to showcase the impactful work being done within our institution, especially in the realm of data science and public health, and to foster connections and collaborations that extend beyond our campus.
Sponsoring the Research Bazaar aligns perfectly with our mission at REACH. We recognize the immense value in bringing together diverse groups from across the UW–Madison campus to share advances in research and explore the vast opportunities in research and data science. By supporting this event, we aim to break down silos that often exist in academic environments, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The Research Bazaar serves as an ideal platform for us to engage with and learn from other leaders in data science and research. It allows us to showcase our achievements, learn about new trends, and connect with potential collaborators who share our commitment to using data science for the greater good. This event also provides an excellent opportunity for us to contribute to the growing community of data scientists and researchers, encouraging innovation and the development of new methodologies in the field.
Through our sponsorship, we aspire to enrich the experience of all participants, helping to spark conversations that could lead to groundbreaking research and applications in data science. Our involvement in the Research Bazaar is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a commitment to the advancement of data science and its application in improving public health and wellbeing across Wisconsin and beyond.
Data In Action at REACH
Shaping Real-World Outcomes Through Data Science
At REACH, we have seen firsthand the transformative power of data science in influencing real-world outcomes within the field of public health. A prime example is our partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our collaboration and data-driven insights played a pivotal role in informing and shaping policy measures to combat the crisis. This partnership underscores our commitment to using data science for impactful, real-time decision-making in public health emergencies.
Translating Data into Actionable Insights
Our organization has a strong track record of turning data into actionable outcomes that benefit the broader community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our research contributed to updated guidelines and pilot studies for new cancer detection assays. Our studies on PFAS research and rural physical health have informed communications and policy guidelines, as evidenced by our published work on alcohol consumption and its implications for cancer survivors (Springer Link).
Encouraging Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
As a shared service within the Carbone Cancer Center, REACH actively promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing across various departments and research groups on campus. We emphasize the importance of returning valuable insights to our participants and community partners, ensuring that our research findings are accessible and beneficial to those who contribute to and are impacted by our work.
Impacting the Broader Community
A notable success story from our data science efforts is the Taking the Next Step (TaNS) project, in partnership with the Wisconsin Public Health Research Network. This initiative provides research-informed, actionable guidance to private well owners across Wisconsin, emphasizing the importance of regular testing and maintenance to ensure safe drinking water. Our work in this area not only addresses immediate health concerns but also contributes to long-term community well-being.
Notable Collaborations and Partnerships
Our collaborations and partnerships are key to advancing data science research and applications. During the COVID pandemic, we worked closely with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH) on PFAS work. Additionally, our ongoing association with the CDC and participation in the NHANES study exemplify our commitment to contributing to national and global health research.
Get in Touch
Contact Allison Rodriguez, Program Manager, akrodriguez@wisc.edu.
Learn more about the REACH Program on our website: https://it.med.wisc.edu/services/reach/.