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Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
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Case Study
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) oversees programs and services for older adults through the aging service network, and worked closely with the COVID-19 command center during the COVID-19 pandemic. EOEA worked with senior affordable housing providers and advocated for vaccines for older adult populations. They also used their network to disseminate COVID-19 information to older adults, caregivers, and those working directly with older adults.
Best Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, and Tufts Health Plan Foundation partnered with FSG to conduct interviews and secondary research of COVID-19 lessons and recommendations framed for three key audiences: organizations, partnerships and collaborations, and funders and policymakers. This research was conducted in six communities in Massachusetts, and identifies key themes and strategies to lift up based on real-world activities implemented during the pandemic. Findings emphasize the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on older adults across a broad range of social, economic, and health factors, and effective strategies for supporting older adults are outlined such as direct communication and flexible services. Gaps are also identified across each of the findings, indicating where there is room for improvement and community strengthening. Lessons and recommendations are also clearly outlined by audience, with clear suggestions for implementing effective strategies to support older populations in various community settings.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
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Toolkit
Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives is designed to support older adults thorough depression education and skill building to increase self sufficiency and active living. The program is structured over 6-8 weeks of sessions and is designed to be administered by staff who have no previous counseling or mental health education. The program originally started in the 1990’s in Washington state and has since been implemented with a wide range of minority and hard-to-reach populations.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
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Peer Review Study
This study examined internet access and mode of access by social class, race, and ethnicity among youth in the U.S. to gain insight on whether these vulnerable populations experienced disparities in access and health education. The study found that low-income Black and Hispanic youth are least likely to have access to internet at home, meaning web-based dissemination of health information is not reaching this population.
Best Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
The article describes a practice based on training community health workers (CHWs) to present oral health information one-on-one to older Chinese adult patients. More than 98% of participants agreed that CHWs helped them improve their oral health and satisfactorily answered their questions/concerns.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This article describes the implementation of a medical student-run, free virtual clinic providing medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) in Miami, Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility criteria for accessing services through the clinic included Florida residency and an income below 200% of the federal poverty level. The article describes how the students promoted the clinic, the process for providing MAT virtually (under supervision of an attending physician), patient characteristics, and reports process evaluation data for the clinic. The practice strategy this article is focused on is access to MAT for people with OUD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
This article discusses the negative health impacts of isolation in older populations, while realizing the dangers of COVID-19 exposure with in-person interactions. Isolation and social support indexes, such as the Duke Social Support Index, are outlined as possible tools to create awareness of individuals’ risks. Additionally, some possible interventions to help address isolation, such as interventions like PEARLS, which is designed to increase social support and decrease isolation and loneliness.
Novel Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and are in the process of generating evidence of effectiveness or may not yet be tested.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
This report highlights COVID-19 responses that benefit dually eligible individuals, including effective communication, supporting community members/caregivers, residential care facilities, and care transitions.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
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Case Study
The Rebuilding Neighborhoods Initiative convened community organizers, small business owners, and corporations in the technology and innovation sector to develop community-centered, implementable solutions addressing gentrification and the lack of affordable housing in three greater Boston neighborhoods. Six monthly meetings were held on topics related to affordable housing. Each neighborhood had a team of 5-6 individuals who were developing and committing to shared goals towards equitable development.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Case Study
The Packed Promise intervention sent monthly food boxes and food vouchers to families with children eligible for free school meals in Chickasaw Nation territory in rural Oklahoma. The deliveries themselves were successful and led to modest improvements in children’s fruit, vegetable, and whole-grain consumption, but the intervention did not result in statistically significant reductions in children’s food insecurity. Adult food insecurity was reduced initially, but the reduction was not sustained after 18 months. 2 articles were written to assess Packed Promise’s impacts on food insecurity (Briefel et al.) and fruit/veg consumption (Cabili et al.).