DRIVE for COVID‑19

COVID-19 exposed the persistent and pervasive health inequities experienced by people of color in underserved communities. These inequities are unnecessary and preventable, calling for a coordinated approach to improving health outcomes and vaccination rates among these communities.

The need for the advancement of health equity in COVID-19 related health outcomes and vaccination rates is apparent:

• COVID-19 is more prevalent in communities of color and underserved populations
• Communities of color experience increased hospitalization and death rates
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, lung disease, and immune disorders exacerbate risk of poorer COVID-19 outcomes in communities of color
• Mistrust of the medical and public health systems, as well as lack of health literacy and knowledge about the virus, its prevention, and treatment lead to poorer COVID-19 outcomes and vaccine hesitancy
• Disparities in vaccination sites and gaps in access to technology lead to decreased vaccine uptake in communities of color

Health care teams and community leaders are key to helping their patients and community members become informed about COVID-19, minimizing transmission of the virus, minimizing risk of developing serious illness due to the virus, and protecting the community. All of which ultimately can build trust in the medical and public health systems.

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Currently, the DRIVE Toolkit is focused on flu vaccination, COVID19, and type 2 diabetes

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Future DRIVE programs will focus on the following clinical areas:

• Cancer Screenings
• Vaccines
• Cardiovascular Disease