Health Center Testing for SARS-CoV-2 During the COVID-19 Pandemic - United States, June 5-October 2, 2020

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• COVID-19 disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority populations due to historical social inequities.
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) health centers serve millions, including many from minority groups, in underserved areas.
• These centers are vital for providing COVID-19 prevention, testing, and follow-up care to at-risk communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the capacity of HRSA-funded health centers to reach and test racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk for COVID-19.
• To analyze COVID-19 testing and positivity rates among different racial and ethnic groups served by health centers.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of voluntary HRSA Health Center COVID-19 Survey data from June 5 to October 2, 2020.
• Examination of testing and positive SARS-CoV-2 test results by race/ethnicity and state of residence for over 2.5 million individuals with known race/ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Among tested individuals with known race/ethnicity, 36% were Hispanic, 38% White, and 20% Black.
• Among those with positive test results, 56% were Hispanic, 24% White, and 15% Black.
• Hispanic individuals showed a higher proportion of positive COVID-19 tests compared to their representation in the tested population.

Conclusions:

• Health centers are critical in providing COVID-19 testing and care to vulnerable populations.
• Improving health center reach to high-risk groups can help reduce COVID-19 transmission through case identification and contact tracing.
• Enhanced coordination between public health departments and health centers is essential for equitable access to testing and follow-up care.