Addressing COVID-19 Inequities Using Bidirectional Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication and Vaccine Clinic Interventions: A Descriptive Study
BMC Public Health Aug 2023
To address COVID-19 disparities among immigrant and refugee communities in Southeast Minnesota, RHCP developed a two-part intervention: a bidirectional communication strategy and community-based vaccine clinics. Trusted community members, called Communication Leaders, shared culturally adapted health messages through social media and gathered feedback from their networks. These messages were created using a structured process that included input from local health departments and translation into Somali and Spanish. The feedback loop allowed RHCP to relay community concerns to decision-makers, helping shape more inclusive public health policies. Surveys showed that participants found the messaging helpful and felt more motivated to get vaccinated.
In addition to communication efforts, RHCP organized vaccine clinics in familiar community spaces like schools and nonprofit centers. These clinics were designed to be accessible, with flexible scheduling, language support, and simple registration. Over 1,100 vaccines were administered, mostly to Hispanic and immigrant individuals. The initiative demonstrated that community-led approaches can effectively increase vaccine uptake and address health inequities. RHCP’s work highlights the importance of engaging communities as equal partners in public health efforts, especially during crises. Their model offers a blueprint for future health interventions that prioritize trust, cultural relevance, and shared decision-making.