CoBrA Community Brain Art initiative: Co-created brain health promotion with the Downtown Eastside community

Brain disorders are underappreciated, modifiable drivers of daily challenges. Our team’s research includes the ten-year observational Hotel Study, which engages Downtown Eastside (DTES) residents affected by precarious housing, and has found high rates and significant consequences of traumatic brain injury, stroke and mental illness. To engage the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative knowledge dissemination activities are needed. The two-part Community Brain Art (CoBrA) initiative is co-created with residents, healthcare providers and researchers in the DTES. CoBrA aims to share local brain health research and community resources with DTES residents. First, we will co-design art kits with knowledge users, containing art supplies and brain health infographics. These kits will be distributed to residents to facilitate dialogue and visual expression of their experiences with brain wellness and injury. Submitted art and health resources will be shared on our website. Second, we will co-produce a mural with local artists to convey brain health recommendations. Reach and effectiveness will be assessed by kit participation, website access and pre- and post-engagement surveys by text message and peer-facilitated sessions.