What to know
South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and educators from South Carolina State University (SCSU) used CDC grant money to raise awareness about COVID-19 and share accurate information with underserved communities.
Overview
Recipients of the National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities grant share how they are addressing COVID-19-related health disparities and advancing health equity.
Challenge
At the height of COVID-19, reliable information about the virus and vaccine safety was lacking in South Carolina's underserved communities. With funding from CDC's COVID-19 Health Disparities grant, South Carolina's DHEC and educators from SCSU, partnered to raise awareness about COVID-19. South Carolina State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), disseminated information to underserved communities.
Solution
DHEC and SCSU professors led a team of educators and students to provide educational opportunities to 1,400 South Carolina residents. The reach spanned 13 counties and 11 cities across the state. Additionally, they developed the SCSU Center for COVID-19 Health Information. Community Health Coaches, students and community members, were trained with two-hour, COVID-19 virtual training modules. These coaches hosted in-person dissemination sessions to share accurate information about COVID-19.
SCSU hosted 22 listening sessions giving community members opportunities to voice their concerns in a safe environment about COVID-19 vaccines. Among the attendees, 89% were African American people—a community prioritized by the team due to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. From these listening sessions, the team tailored, presented, and disseminated materials to address:
- The fear of getting COVID-19 even if vaccinated
- Misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracies about the virus and vaccine
Information was shared during in-person town halls, forums, and community events.
Outcome
SCSU’s impressive work demonstrates the DHEC core value of embracing service and the strategic pathway of education and engagement. The agency developed goals of promoting healthy outcomes and partnering with stakeholders and communities. The program's aim was to help underserved South Carolinians make informed healthcare decisions and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.