Partnership to Improve Community Health

This Partnership to Improve Community Health (PICH), funded by the University of Virginia Precision Health Initiative, began in 2025. The overall goal of the community-engaged cohort study is to explore how lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors may influence or drive cancer disparities.

PICH is aiming to enroll 1,000 community members from across Southern Virginia to help address scientific questions related to colorectal cancer.

A cohort study exploring how lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors may influence health and cancer disparities.

Learn More About the Study →

For any inquiries, please contact pich@uvahealth.org, referencing Study Number HSR240099.

You may be able to be part of this study if you:

• Are 18 years or older
• Are not currently pregnant
• Do not have a personal history of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer)

Up to $260 via electronic gift cards.

If you choose to participate you would complete questionnaires, provide measurements about yourself or opt to donate a variety of samples. As a participant, you get to choose what you wish to complete. Below are some examples of what you may wish to complete:

• Complete lifestyle and health surveys
• Provide samples (optional): stool, saliva, cheek swab, toenail, hair, blood, urine, home soil, or water
• Share height, and/or weight measurements
• Annual follow-up surveys

To learn more about the study, including the risks and benefits, download our study brochure.

The development and implementation of the PICH study has been a true community-academic partnership. The study team approach the Dan River Regional Taskforce with this idea for translating an existing clinical cohort study to the community based on data that revealed significant cancer disparities in the region.  The Taskforce, had recently underwent a strategic planning process in which they had prioritized colorectal cancer as an area of focus. It was a perfect match.

The PICH study is now guided by a subgroup of the Dan River Regional Cancer Taskforce known as the PICH study advisory team. The study advisory team consists of community partners from across Southern Virginia.  The team helps guide the work of the study from its recruitment tools and strategies to how and what is being collected in the community. This partnership enables PICH to reach populations that often are not included in research studies.

PICH is built on partnerships. The level of partnerships varies, from spreading awareness of the study to working hand in hand with our research team to help enroll community members in the study. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved reach out to our study team.