Developing an Equitable COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Lessons Learned From a Multisectoral Public Health Partnership in Guadalupe, Arizona

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities that are medically underserved across the United States, including the 6,700 Hispanic and Pascua Yaqui residents of Guadalupe, Arizona. In May 2020, Guadalupe experienced new COVID-19 cases at a rate 13.9 times as high as its surrounding county, urging town leadership to establish the Guadalupe Community Response Team (GCRT), a multisectoral network of community, academic, and public health partners. The objectives of the GCRT were to: (a) increase access to health and support services; (b) develop novel and intensive outreach efforts; and (c) build partnerships to strengthen public health capacity. From June 2020 to December 2021, the GCRT provided door-to-door case investigation and resource provision, coordinated testing and vaccination events, created public health communications, and developed COVID-19 guidance for cultural gatherings. These interventions were implemented in an effort to reduce community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and increase equitable access to testing, vaccination, and social support resources. Cultural leaders, such as promotores de salud and Yaqui Cultural Specialists, were integral in building trust among community members. The GCRT provides valuable lessons learned on the importance of implementing a culturally grounded approach to COVID-19 mitigation to increase equitable access to health services during a public health emergency.