An Equitable Communication and Dissemination Model for Linking Culturally Diverse Communities to COVID-19 Services

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Health Communication

Background:

• The Office of Minority Health (OMH) established the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) in 2020.
• The NCRN aimed to address health disparities in priority communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Priority communities included African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander persons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To aggregate culturally relevant messages, education tools, and national data sources.
• To implement a communication and dissemination initiative focused on equity.
• To link communities to essential COVID-19 clinical, social, and behavioral health services.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mobile application and website.
• Culturally sensitive and equity-focused communication strategies.
• Dissemination of information to address social and behavioral health determinants.

Main Results:

• Successful engagement of diverse priority communities.
• Facilitation of access to culturally relevant health information and services.
• Support for addressing health determinants through tailored resources.

Conclusions:

• The NCRN effectively utilized technology and culturally sensitive approaches.
• The initiative demonstrated a commitment to health equity for minority populations.
• The program provided a model for resilient community engagement in public health crises.