Community-Academic Partnerships: A Report on the COVID Support Our Schools (SOS) Initiative.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Education
• Community Partnerships

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic significantly disrupted education, worsening existing health and educational disparities.
• Underserved school districts faced challenges with evolving medical guidance, virtual learning equity, and safe reopening strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a collaborative initiative between an academic medical institution and resource-limited K-12 school districts.
• To provide timely medical expertise and support to address pandemic-related challenges in schools.

Main Methods:

• The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM) launched the COVID Support Our Schools (SOS) initiative.
• This involved a physician advisory board, medical student task forces, and community leaders hosting informational sessions.
• Surveys with Likert scale and open-ended questions assessed program effectiveness.

Main Results:

• 100% of respondents agreed the COVID SOS program met community needs and provided timely, resourceful support.
• School districts highly valued the partnership and found inter-district engagement informative.
• The initiative facilitated medical student service learning and knowledge dissemination.

Conclusions:

• Academic medical institutions and K-12 school districts can form mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Such collaborations are crucial for supporting educational continuity and equity during public health crises.
• The COVID SOS model demonstrates effective community engagement and resource provision.