Promising
Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.

The Creation of a Program of Engagement and Outreach for COVID‑19 Among African Americans Through Community‑Academic Partnerships

Hall, M. B., Winterbauer, N. L., Klinger, C., Tucker‑McLaughlin, M., Raferty, A.,  Greene, G., Dodson, S.

Release Date:

Peer Review Study

Data Collection and Analysis
Outreach/ Education/ Communications
Healthcare Access and Quality
Social and Community Context
Tools Included
Outside U.S.
ACCESS RESOURCE
Facemask

Mitigation and Prevention

The West Greenville Health Council (WGHC) engaged and activated a 27-member organizational partnership network for COVID-19 health communication and personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution in African American communities in Eastern North Carolina. Outreach included (1) local production and dissemination of culturally relevant safety videos; (2) risk, prevention, and safety postcard messages; (3) virtual forums; and (4) PPE kit distribution via the network and their distribution venues. Communication mediums included social media posts, network email distribution lists, and postcards distributed along with PPE kits. An online survey was used to gain insights on community perceptions of COVID-19 safety barriers and media messages. The activation of the network as an approach for rapid response to an emerging public health crisis greatly expanded the reach of the WGHC. The WGHC is working to institutionalize the network to address future emerging health threats, as well as the dissemination of health information more generally.

Resource Details

Outcomes of Interest

Partnership Building, Reduction of Health Disparities

Priority Population(s)

Black or African American

Setting(s) of Implementation

Community

Geographic Area of Implementation

Implementation Period

2020