On April 6th, 2018, CRECE researchers, staff, and scientific advisory board members from across mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico gathered in Boston, MA for the CRECE Annual Retreat. The event was held at the Colonnade Hotel and featured presentations sharing team progress from the leaders of each project and core. Following each presentation, Scientific Advisory Committee members in attendance–Angeles Acosta Rodriguez (UPR – Medical Campus), José Guzman Pereira (March of Dimes), Brenda Rivera (Puerto Rico Department of Health), Susan Schantz (University of Illinois), and Peggy Shepard (We Act for Environmental Justice)–provided valuable guidance, advice and assessment for the projects, cores, and center.
Ever-present in the discussion was the long-lasting impact Hurricane Maria has had on the Puerto Rican population and on CRECE’s research plans. Advisors applauded CRECE’s efforts to provide aid to the community in the wake of this natural disaster, but recommended the team also seek out opportunities to help Puerto Ricans prepare for extreme events that may take place in the future.
After concluding presentations and taking a brief break, retreat attendees converged once more for a closing dinner. Thank you to all that traveled from near and far in order to participate in this event!
