Sealy Center on Aging

The Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA) is an independent, multidisciplinary component of UTMB that provides a wide range of expertise and resources in clinical care, research, and education related to aging studies and older adult populations. SCOA is supported by endowment funds from the Sealy and Smith Foundation. The Center is comprised of the Director (Melissa Morrow, PhD), Senior Associate Director (James Goodwin, MD), a program manager, a biostatistician, a science writer/editor, a research nurse manager, a web communications and operations manager, a communications and community initiatives manager, a business coordinator, a research associate, five clinical research coordinators, four research project managers, and a research associate. The 56 Senior Fellows and 53 Fellows affiliated with SCOA represent all five schools and two of the institutes at UTMB. SCOA facilities include a suite of 26 offices continuous to the offices of the Division of Geriatric Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine.

Research services and resources supported by the Sealy Center on Aging:

Community Advisory Board

The SCOA Community Advisory Board (CAB) has been meeting quarterly since June 2023 and currently consists of 13 active members, co-led by Alice Williams, MS, LBSW (SCOA’s communications and community initiatives manager) and Dr. Rebecca Galloway (CCBR-RC1 Co- I). The CAB’s purpose includes engaging with research investigators pre-funding to provide input on research ideas, grant proposals, and community support needs, as well as offering feedback on patient facing materials post-funding. CCBR-RC1 leadership networks with the CAB for research outreach activities.

Community Connection

In 2022, SCOA launched the Community Connection initiative to share research insights, education, and volunteer opportunities with Galveston’s older adults. The initiative features a quarterly newsletter, distributed via email and traditional mail, which quickly grew to a subscriber base exceeding 1000 in its inaugural year (918 via email and 436 in print by Fall 2024). The newsletter aims to increase engagement among older adults by spotlighting SCOA researchers and presenting opportunities for participation in aging-focused clinical studies at UTMB. Community Connection is part of SCOA’s comprehensive communication strategy, complementing the Center’s dynamic website, an active X (formerly Twitter) account for researchers and students (established 2014), and a Facebook page tailored for older adults (established 2019). OAIC investigators advertise their clinical trials in the Community Connection quarterly newsletter.

Manuscript Office

SCOA’s Manuscript Office provides proposal development and editorial services to aging affiliated faculty and other investigators at UTMB. In addition to the 50-80 grants and research articles edited per year, the Manuscript Office provides lectures and workshops on aspects of academic writing, research presentation, grantsmanship, and professional development.

AmeriCorps Seniors

AmeriCorps Seniors are volunteers over the age of 55 who engage in a variety of activities throughout Galveston County non-profit agencies. This program has been supported by SCOA for more than 20 years. CCBR-RC1 leadership networks with AmeriCorps volunteers for research outreach activities.

Aging Learning Center

The SCOA Learning Center is a free, easy-to-access resource for all community members aged 55 and older, promoting and supporting healthy lifestyles through educational talks and handouts. Services include: educational and interactive talks; computer and printer access (tutoring available); health fact sheets; board, card, and brain games available for use; referral information for aging-related services; resources to learn how to create and access a MyChart Patient Portal; and resources to learn how to create and use a Facebook account to socialize with friends and family. OAIC investigators provide dissemination lectures for attendees at the Learning Center, advertising their clinical studies as well.