101 Acronyms: A Tool for Inclusive Public Health Practice

101 Acronyms: A Tool for Inclusive Public Health Practice

Public health spaces, especially those grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR), rely on shared understanding and meaningful engagement. At the Arizona Prevention Research Center (AzPRC), part of the PEAR Center, our Community Advisory Board (CAB) plays a central role in guiding this work.

As new CAB members join, one consistent barrier has been the heavy use of acronyms in meetings. While common in academic and public health settings, this language can create an unintended barrier to participation, making meetings feel overly technical and, at times, exclusionary.

To address this, the PEAR Center’s Professional Development Committee partnered with AzPRC intern James Bermudez to develop a practical solution.

About the 101 Acronyms Resource

The 101 Acronyms resource is a three-fold brochure designed to support CAB members in navigating commonly used terminology during meetings.

• Curated list of 101 frequently used acronyms in CAB and public health discussions
• Designed for quick, real-time reference during meetings
• Available as both a printable brochure and a digital download
• Developed as a user-informed tool grounded in CAB experiences

Physical copies are available in laminated format for use during meetings, while the digital version can be accessed and shared widely.

A Living Resource

This webpage serves as a living repository for the 101 Acronyms tool.

As our work evolves, so does our language. New acronyms will be added over time to ensure this resource remains relevant, responsive, and useful to both new and long-standing CAB members.

Why This Matters

Creating accessible entry points into public health spaces is essential for authentic CBPR practice. Tools like 101 Acronyms:

• Reduce barriers to participation
• Support equitable engagement across diverse partners
• Help demystify academic and institutional language
• Strengthen collaboration between community and academic stakeholders

This effort reflects a broader commitment to building shared infrastructure that centers clarity, inclusion, and mutual learning.

Download the Brochure

Acknowledgment

This resource was developed by James Bermudez, AzPRC intern, in collaboration with the PEAR Center Professional Development Committee and staff. His work reflects a thoughtful and practical contribution to improving CAB member experience and strengthening inclusive public health practice.