New research wing opens at URI's
Cancer Prevention Research Center

KINGSTON, R.I. -- March 7, 2000 -- The University of Rhode Island today opened a new research wing in its Social Sciences Research Center, home of the University's internationally renowned Cancer Prevention Research Center (CPRC).

The new 10,000 sq. ft., two-story addition to the Social Sciences Research Center doubled the size of the original building to provide additional office, computer, meeting, and work space to accommodate the ongoing research activities undertaken there. Constructed in 1991, the original single-story building was designed specifically to meet the needs of the Center and was sited with consideration for future expansion. With the same architectural design features as the original building, the new two-story "module" was added to the west of the original building. The $1.2 million project was funded by Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation (RIBHEC) Bonds and supported by research-related revenue.

Headed by Dr. James Prochaska, the CPRC has been developing ways to help people adopt healthy behaviors to reduce the risk of cancer for more than 20 years. Prochaska has been a member of the University faculty since 1969 and founded the CPRC in 1989. In 1994, the program was awarded its first $10 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to continue its groundbreaking research on behavioral change. Since its inception, the group has received more than $60 million in research funding.

The Center's primary mission is to enhance the quality and quantity of life through prevention of cancer, other chronic diseases and premature death. Their basic and applied research efforts are integrated around a common theme, the transtheoretical model developed at the CPRC and now recognized internationally as one of the most promising approaches to health promotion. Applying a stage-based paradigm, proactive and interactive interventions are emphasized for populations at all stages of change, and not just for the small minority prepared to take action. Their work has been applied to such health-related issues as smoking, substance abuse, high-risk sexual behaviors, unhealthy diets and sedentary life styles.

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For More Information: Jhodi Redlich, 401-874-2116