The University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center (UW HPRC) is making an impact across the country and our home-state of Washington. Our researchers collaborate with community partners to promote the health and well-being of middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with lower incomes and/or in underserved populations who are more likely to experience health disparities.
Our research includes a broad range of health promotion topics, including healthy aging, cancer prevention and control, workplace health, physical activity, depression management, and brain health.
Our Impact
Below is some of our impact and reach across the country and Washington state through 2022.
PEARLS: Older Adult Health Promotion & Mental Health
The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) is a late-life depression care management program for older adults that combines education about depression, coordination with primary care physicians, and skill building for happier, healthier, and more independent lives.
PEARLS Reach
National
12,576+ older adults
179 organizations
30 states
Washington State
2,066+ older adults
16 organizations
7 counties
“I was suffering bitterly. I was very depressed. I had lost my zeal for life. Now my depression has diminished. I’m ready to face life’s challenges.”
– Yolanda, PEARLS participant
Enhance®Fitness: Older Adult Health Promotion & Physical Activity
Enhance®Fitness is a community-based exercise program for older adults at all fitness levels to become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives.
Enhance®Fitness Reach
National
104,330+ people
1,558 in-person sites, 45 remote sites
474 organizations
47 states + D.C.
Washington State
20,483 people
184 in-person sites, 16 remote sites
93 organizations
18 counties
“Since participating in the exercise program, I am able to get up and out of the tub using only one arm … I can now do more household chores than previously.”
– Enhance®Fitness participant
Workplace Wellness
Connect to Wellness is a workplace wellness program that provides support for Washington state’s small and midsize employers in their efforts to create healthier workplaces.
Connect to Wellness Reach
National
43,372 employees
233 companies
15 states
Washington State
38,425 employees
210 companies
11 counties
“This program really works. It’s one-stop shopping for everything a worksite needs to hit the health behaviors most relevant to improving employee well-being.”
– Kitsap Public Health District staff member
Cancer Prevention & Control
Our goal is to reduce the burden of cancer, particularly for low-income and/or underserved populations who are more likely to experience health disparities. We participate in the CDC Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network through the regional collaboration known as the Alliance for Reducing Cancer, Northwest (ARC NW). This alliance is based at the UW Health Promotion Research Center, although its members and partners are from multiple regional organizations.
Alliance for Reducing Cancer, Northwest Reach
Washington State
130,700+ patients
100+ health centers
20 counties
