Structuring Equity Into Minnesota's COVID-19 Response: Lessons Learned and Future Investments

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) implemented strategies to ensure health equity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Three dedicated teams were formed to address the needs of diverse and impacted communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate health equity into the COVID-19 response.
• To identify and overcome barriers to equity in public health.
• To establish sustainable structures for ongoing equity efforts.

Main Methods:

• Integration of three specialized teams: Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities Branch; Tribal COVID-19 Healthcare Team; and Vaccine Equity Branch.
• Collaboration with trusted community partners.
• Inclusion of community voices in decision-making processes.

Main Results:

• Successful outreach to diverse communities through trusted partners.
• Amplification of voices from disproportionately affected populations.
• Establishment of equity leadership, goals, and metrics.
• Identification of barriers and opportunities for centering equity.

Conclusions:

• Centering equity requires intentional structures and community involvement.
• Sustaining public health infrastructure is crucial for long-term health equity.
• Ongoing investment is vital to address systemic challenges and maintain progress.