The Montagnard/Asian Community Disparities Research Network

We are a network of scholars, professionals, advocates, and community members dedicated to scholarship that responds directly to community needs in North Carolina and beyond.

Save the Date!

June 5, 2026

Greensboro, N.C.

2026 Community Research Symposium

Join Us!

We invite scholars, researchers, service learning practitioners, and community members to join us in working towards long-term capacity building and empowerment of Montagnard and other immigrant and refugee communities.

Our Mission & History

The Montagnard/Asian Community Disparities Research Network was founded in 2012 to serve the Montagnard community and other unique refugee and immigrant populations in our region.

A Community-First Approach

We are proudly hosted by the Montagnard Association of NC (MANC). We work in close partnership with MANC’s Community Advisory Council (CAC) to ensure our research, scholarship, and service-learning projects promote best community practices and are driven by community needs, not external agendas.

Moving from Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) — to Action

We recognize that factors like poverty, unaffordable housing, and racism (Social Determinants of Health) cannot be solved by simply improving "access." Our network uses the CBPR-CHW Model to transform research into tangible community change and systemic influence.

Community-Based Research Models (CBPR-CHW)

We use the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Community Health Worker (CHW) models to:

  • Build Capacity: Train and employ trusted community members (CHWs/promotores) to lead research and intervention efforts.

  • Influence Stakeholders: Provide data to inform system players, policymakers, and grant makers.

  • Ensure Give Back: The CHW model ensures that intervention and community support are integral parts of the research process.

Our Methodology & Impact

Impact in Action: Success Stories

  • The Montagnard Association’s extensive CHW experience prepared us to immediately expand partnerships with refugee communities (Bhutanese, Cambodian, Karenni, etc.) to secure funding, deliver life-saving supplies, and provide fact-based information during the crisis.

  • We engaged over 130 individuals, created a Montagnard dictionary of hypertension terms, and provided critical health screenings by co-designing the research with tribal elders and youth.

  • By training two older Montagnard women as CHWs, we published research on food shortages following the Great Recession, securing funding for women's life skills classes and job training.