Measuring the Collective Community Capacity of a Network to Address Health Inequities during a Public Health Emergency: Findings from the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network.

Abstract

Objective: This study assesses the collective community capacity of the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN), a multisectoral network mitigating the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on minoritized populations.

Methods: From January to April 2022, we used two concurrent data collection methods: a Collective Community Capacity (C3) survey (n=65) and key informant interviews (KIIs) (n=26). The C3 assessed capacity for creation of a shared vision, engagement in community change, and distributive leadership. KIIs assessed perspectives on network formation and implementation. We used a convergent design and triangulation for interpretation.

Results: NCRN has growing collective community capacity. The C3 survey found high capacity for establishing a shared mission and evidence of mutual commitment, trust, and accountability. About three-quarters of respondents strongly agreed that partners addressed social, economic, and cultural barriers related to COVID-19. Interviewees valued NCRN leaders' openness, availability, and willingness to listen. Partners learned from one another, increased their health communication capacity, and supported sustainability. They sought greater opportunities to partner and support decision-making.

Conclusions: NCRN developed a collaborative network with a shared vision of improving health equity during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, while identifying areas for improvement in distributive leadership. Findings can support other organizations seeking to build collective community capacity to address equity in public health emergencies.