CHATS Lab (Communicating for Health in Appalachia by Translating Science)
Through research and community engagement, we work to better understand cancer in Appalachian populations.
The CHATS Lab partners with communities across Appalachia to study cancer-related behaviors, disparities, and health outcomes.
Through community-based research and outreach, we translate findings into actionable programs that reduce cancer risk, improve screening rates, and address barriers to care.
The mission of the Communicating for Health in Appalachia by Translating Science (CHATS) Lab is to leverage the power of communication to improve health outcomes in Appalachia and beyond through original research and by fostering the adoption of evidence-based science.
Merging Research and Practice
CHATS blends complementary expertise in communication science and health behavior theory (CHATS Lab) with knowledge translation and dissemination science (CHATS Core) to transform scientific evidence into actionable communication interventions targeted to diverse real-world settings.
Research areas of interest
- Health care communication
- Multi-level communication interventions
- Social media and online ecosystems
Our Services
We consult with external and internal partners using evidence-based strategies and frameworks to translate their research findings to practice. These services include:
- Dissemination planning and strategy
- Communication material development
- Customized training presentations and workshops
Contact Us
For questions or more information, please contact our team:
- Abby Starkey, MS, CHATS Manager, at [email protected]
- Dannell Boatman, EdD, MS, Principal Investigator for CHATS Lab, at [email protected]
- Amy Allen, MA, MS, Director of Research Integration, Dept. of Cancer Prevention and Control, at [email protected]