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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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Journal
This editorial from The Lancet Respiratory Medicine discusses the growing public health crisis of Long COVID. It highlights that over 65 million people worldwide are estimated to have post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, and there is an urgent need for preventive, rehabilitative, and therapeutic strategies to address this issue. The article emphasizes the importance of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in reducing the risk of Long COVID and mentions the potential benefits of early outpatient treatment in preventing it. However, challenges remain in defining Long COVID, diagnosing it reliably, and understanding its causes and mechanisms. The article calls for large-scale research initiatives to explore these aspects, identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and develop targeted interventions. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the needs of vulnerable populations and providing patient-centered care for Long COVID.
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
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken significant steps to address the long-term effects of COVID-19, known as “Long COVID.” These actions include establishing advisory committees, forming offices dedicated to Long COVID research and practice, and providing technical guidance for evaluating disabilities related to Long COVID. HHS has also delivered comprehensive reports to the President outlining support services and research strategies. These efforts, in collaboration with various federal agencies, aim to assist individuals in living independently and participating in their communities while dealing with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Numerous resources, such as guides, civil rights protections, and workplace accommodations, have been made available to support those affected by Long COVID.
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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Other
The article discusses the challenges and frustrations surrounding Long COVID research in the United States. Despite substantial investments and numerous research efforts, progress in understanding and treating Long COVID has been slow and disappointing. Experts and patient advocates have criticized the research community for its focus on disease development rather than direct patient care, duplication of studies, and a lack of clinical trials. The authors propose a new hypothesis that Long COVID may be a form of post-infectious syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting that traditional biomedical research approaches may not yield meaningful results. Instead, they advocate for a shift towards health services research and measures that directly impact patients’ welfare, including prevention, improved prognosis, access to empathetic care, and quality of life issues. They emphasize the need for collaboration between researchers, patients, and advocacy groups to reset the research agenda effectively.
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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White Paper/Brief
This brief lists interventions to support state public health efforts to address rural disparities and racial discrimination. It emphasizes the importance of localized data on social determinants of health and improving systemic and structural underpinnings of racial disparities. Suggested interventions address data collection and workforce issues, including representativeness and paid family leave.
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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Peer Review Study
This study compares data from the NYC coronavirus data repository with 2018 American Community Survey 5-year census estimates to examine the distribution of testing sites across New York City by race in May 2020. During this time, the results found that testing sites for primarily Black and Latinx communities increased, but primarily White areas still had the highest number of testing sites. The study team created ZIP-code level maps showing testing site distribution using ArcGIS as a part of this study.
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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White Paper/Brief
This brief describes work to partner health departments with community organizing groups, focusing on a collaboration between Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and two community organizations. These partnerships allow health departments to actively address power imbalances that may decrease community trust in health departments. The Santa Barbara Public Health Department developed an analysis of power and worked directly with grassroots organizers. To build trust, the health department undertook many actions, including sharing organizational charts, explaining decisions, facilitating personal sharing and trust exercises, spending time together, discussing structural racism, and more. During COVID-19, these partners shared information targeted towards those with various languages and literacy levels.
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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Peer Review Study
Asabor and colleagues investigate the relationship between levels of segregation and the distribution of testing sites in four cities. Segregation refers to the extent of distance between neighborhoods of color and White neighborhoods. The highest levels of segregation are between Blacks and Whites, however, there is segregation between other communities of color and White communities. The authors compiled a list COVID-19 testing sites per Census tract through June 2020. And, in parallel, Asabor and colleagues identified the four most segregated cities in the U.S. in order to conduct a focused analysis. These cities are: New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. In New York, Houston, and Chicago, there is an inverse relationship between percentage of Blacks in a Census tract and the number of testing sites. And, in Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles there is a similar negative relationship for Latinx.
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
In June 2020, Northwest Arkansas was a COVID-19 hotspot, with serious racial and ethnic disparities. Existing community-engaged partnerships utilized their collaborative capacity to address COVID-19 disparities in the Latinx and Pacific Islander communities. Eighteen key partners held weekly meetings and regular communication and developed four strategies: (1): health education (prevention, testing, quarantine, and follow-up care) and prevention (communication re: practices to reduce risk); (2) testing; (3) a dedicated contact tracing center with bilingual workers; (4) enhanced case management and supported quarantine.
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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Peer Review Study
This article discusses a promotora-led intervention designed to provide support for invidividuals with behavioral health needs and with connection to supports to address the social determinants of health. The program was being implemented prior to the onset of COVID-19, but compares usage and need by analyzing the data pre- and post-COVID-19. Service usage and needs such as access to food, housing, and financial assistance were noted trends post-pandemic.
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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Peer Review Study
This qualitative study conducted focus groups with Black and Latino residents in New Jersey to better understand their experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 related policies, practices, and vaccination opportunities. The information shared emphasizes the lived experiences of minority populations navigating COVID-19’s impact on family, community, health, and historical beliefs/concerns.