karen lincoln A S S I S TA N T P R O F E S S O R Research often holds the key to improving lives. Karen Lincoln is a UW researcher and teacher who is trying to understand why older African Americans are more likely to suffer depression than their Caucasian counterparts, and less likely to get help. She wants to know because she wants to do something about it. Karen is an assistant professor in the School of Social Work, and is the first person in the school to receive the prestigious “K” Award, a five-year research award from the National Institute of Mental Health. She is conducting a study into mental health disparities between older Black and white Americans. Her work is designed to illuminate the causes of depression among African American elders, as well as the individual and community strengths that can help people do better. Karen points out that older African American men and women are more apt to be poor and to live in distressed neighborhoods than older white Americans. The daily, long-term strain that attends poverty-crime, violence, despair, the lack of medical care and other services — takes its toll. Chronic racism plays its part, creating barriers and leaving emotional wounds. What is the best way to reach older African Americans who may need help? The solution may lie close to home. “It’s often the pastor, the owner of the barber shop or beauty salon-the natural helpers in the neighborhood-who are trusted and more likely to offer help in a way that people can accept,” she explains. “I want to know how can we better use these institutions and neighbors to get information and services to elders.” Some people remain beyond the reach of even these trusted helpers. To address the needs of frail and isolated African American elders in King County, Karen is currently working with others on the Mayor’s Council on African American Elders. “We want to create a community-based agency to help people stay in their homes and get the help they need,” she says. “The research helps us understand the best way to meet those needs.