The Clinical and Translational Science Institute's Community & Stakeholder Research Engagement Program is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026-2027 Community Partnered Research Award, the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) Area Agency on Aging and Eseosa Ighodaro, MD, PhD, in the Department of Neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
This community-academic research partnership seeks to address a significant challenge faced by many stroke survivors and their caregivers as they transition from hospital to home. Through the integration of clinical expertise and community-based knowledge and resources, the project will explore how to better support stroke survivors in accessing the services they need to achieve successful recovery and improved quality of life.
Please join us in congratulating PTRC Area Agency on Aging and Dr. Eseosa Ighodaro on receiving the 2026-2027 Community Partnered Research Award. We look forward to the impact of their partnership and their efforts to strengthen support systems for stroke survivors and caregivers throughout our community.
This community-academic research partnership seeks to address a significant challenge faced by many stroke survivors and their caregivers as they transition from hospital to home. Through the integration of clinical expertise and community-based knowledge and resources, the project will explore how to better support stroke survivors in accessing the services they need to achieve successful recovery and improved quality of life.
Why This Work Matters
Stroke survivors often face significant challenges after leaving the hospital, particularly when trying to access transportation, food, housing, and other community resources that support recovery. Unmet social needs can negatively affect health outcomes, delay recovery, and increase the risk of hospital readmission. These barriers are often compounded by the physical, cognitive, and communication challenges many individuals experience following a stroke. Through this project, the research team will identify the most pressing needs of stroke survivors and caregivers and use those insights to develop practical, easy-to-use community-assisted resource guides. These guides will help individuals and families more effectively navigate available services and supports during the transition from hospital to home. Ultimately, this work aims to strengthen connections to community resources, improve recovery experiences, and lay the foundation for future efforts to improve outcomes for stroke survivors and their caregivers.About the Piedmont Triad Regional Council
The Piedmont Triad Regional Council is one of North Carolina's largest regional councils, serving 78 member governments across a twelve-county region that includes the Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point metropolitan areas. Through regional planning, technical assistance, and community-based services, PTRC helps local governments address shared challenges and improve quality of life across the region. Its Area Agency on Aging connects older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities to essential resources and support services. PTRC's strong focus on collaboration and community engagement makes it a valuable partner in advancing community-centered solutions.Please join us in congratulating PTRC Area Agency on Aging and Dr. Eseosa Ighodaro on receiving the 2026-2027 Community Partnered Research Award. We look forward to the impact of their partnership and their efforts to strengthen support systems for stroke survivors and caregivers throughout our community.