Dr. Kim Rhoads (left) founded Umoja Health early in the pandemic to unite about 30 organizations combating COVID-19 in Black communities in the Bay Area. Photo by Mike Kai Chen
A testing lab set up within eight days, teams focused on testing and treating COVID-19 in the Black and Latinx communities, and the launch of one of the largest testing studies in the nation – these are a few examples of how UC San Francisco partnered with government and community groups to address racial, economic and cultural barriers with the goal of providing equitable care to vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The collaborations are documented in a new UCSF report, “Advancing COVID Health Equity: Strategies for developing an equity-first response.”
Starting in March 2020, the report chronicles UCSF’s collaboration with the City and County of San Francisco, state and Bay Area health departments, community groups, and other organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report – a blueprint for providing more equitable medical care in future public health crises – describes lessons learned about public education, outreach, data collection and care delivery.
“This report reflects the progress we have made together in addressing the COVID-19 health disparities and inequities vulnerable populations experience,” said UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS. “As we build on this important work, we must bridge the remaining gaps so we can sustain and expand a health-equity approach to improve public health for all.”
Building Connections to Reach Vulnerable Communities
When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded in 2020, it soon became clear that it was exacerbating long-established health disparities, resulting in Black, Latinx, Asian, Native American and other marginalized communities being disproportionately impacted.
Spurred by the early lack of personal protective equipment and test kits in the pandemic’s first months, UCSF faculty, staff and learners rallied with medical partners, community organizations and government agencies to overcome obstacles to medical care for vulnerable communities. The results were far-reaching and impacted public policy and legislation at local, state and federal levels.
ADVANCING COVID HEALTH EQUITY
Learn more about UCSF’s community partnerships, innovative research, and data-driven approach to tracking and responding to health inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic
A key takeaway of the report is that building on existing partnerships and establishing new ones with respected local organizations was essential to gaining the trust people needed to follow public health guidance, such as wearing masks, being tested and getting vaccinated.
Community organizations with deep roots in neighborhoods were able to reach constituents in ways UCSF, as an institution, could not. While UCSF delivered scientific expertise, services and supplies, local organizations played a vital role in directing those resources to have the greatest impact.