Community-Engaged Science Along the U.S.-Mexico Border: Methodologies for Community Participation in Environmental Research.

BACKGROUND: Colonias are unincorporated communities along the U.S.-Mexico border that face systemic environmental and public health challenges. Long-standing infrastructural deficiencies, socioeconomic hardship, and historical mistrust have hindered effective community partnerships. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to implement and evaluate a community-based participatory research approach tailored to promote environmental health equity, build trust, and foster meaningful participation among colonia residents in Hidalgo County, South Texas. METHODS: The Juntos para un Mejor Mañana (Together for a Better Tomorrow) program developed a multifaceted engagement strategy, including the formation of three Community Advisory Boards, citizen science activities, family workshops, and training Promotora-Researchers. A community health assessment was conducted with 100 participants, combining survey data with biomarker collection (urine, blood, toenail) to assess environmental exposures. RESULTS: The initiative achieved high participation and retention: 96.2% survey completion, 81.0% initial urine sample submission, 75.0% urine resampling after 1 year, 80.0% blood sample submission, and 77.0% toenail sample collection. The program also led to the establishment of sustained community-based activities. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based participatory research strategies rooted in local partnership and cultural relevance can overcome barriers to participation in environmental justice communities. This model demonstrated strong community agency, high data collection rates, and durable program impact-offering a replicable approach for advancing health equity in vulnerable border regions.