Case Study
COVID‑CARE: Community‑Driven Approaches to Assess, Resource, and Engage Underserved Communities to Address the Burden of COVID‑19
April 2022 - July 2023
PROJECT GOALS
Provide COVID-19 resources and outreach to Black, Hispanic, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities
We surveyed community members to understand the knowledge, perceptions, and barriers related to the impact of
COVID-19 and vaccinations among high priority communities in the Houston area. We also sought to understand any existing fear or distrust among vulnerable populations in relation to COVID-19.
Additionally, we aimed to assess the needs for comprehensive wraparound resources and health education. During this project period, we were able to update and distribute educational resources through our community health workers (CHWs). And with the assistance of our COVID-19 health education repository, our CHWs were successful in providing vaccine information and site referrals for testing and booster shots.
Project impact
Counties impacted Harris
PARTNERS
The success of this Texas CEAL Consortium project is due to the dedicated work of our community partners. Community Partners Dia de la Mujer Latina GROW Unity Resources for Living Harris County Public Health Houston Health Department Legacy Community Health Local Apartment Complexes (Managers) Local Churches or Places of Worship Local Schools Memorial Hermann
Meet the principal investigator Jasmine J. Opusunju
Dr. Opusunju is a principal investigator for Texas CEAL Consortium, as well as Executive Director of CAN DO Houston. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor at Baylor University in the Department of Public Health.
Project team members
The following research team members contributed to this project.
Honora Swain-Ogbonna
Ghia Johnson
Cristina Barroso
Lovell Jones