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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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White Paper/Brief
Director of the Health Equity Core at Harvard Medical School, Professor Sprague Martinez has organized a team of partners to identify the impact of long COVID on Black and Latinx communities in Massachusetts and barriers they experience in accessing treatment. The project is part of the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, which aims to address the challenges of COVID-19 and future pandemics. The Health Equity Core focuses on understanding the impact of long COVID on diverse communities, increasing access to treatment and resources, and influencing relevant policies. The team includes partners from various institutions and will emphasize community engagement, data collection, dissemination, and policy advocacy efforts.
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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Implementation Guide
This resource provides guidance on how to care for children in foster care during COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for children in foster care was a challenge due to the changes brought about by social distancing and other measures. Children in foster care may have experienced adversity and trauma, making them more vulnerable to the effects of these changes. To help children in foster care during this difficult time, it is important to stay connected through virtual means, look for signs of stress, establish daily routines, reassure them, seek extra help if needed, have a back-up plan for emergencies, ensure safety and security, maintain family connections through in-person or virtual visits, and weigh the risks of in-person visits based on COVID-19 guidance. It is also essential to take care of oneself as a caregiver.
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
The Framework for an Equitable COVID-19 Homelessness Response offers guidance on utilizing funding sources like the CARES Act to address homelessness during the pandemic. It aims to conduct emergency measures while planning for recovery. The framework emphasizes racial justice and requires coordination among partners and systems. It is regularly updated and provides tools and resources. For individuals experiencing homelessness, local 2-1-1 hotlines can provide assistance.
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 article discusses the resilience of Indigenous communities in the Arctic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing vulnerabilities such as limited access to healthcare and infrastructure, these communities had lower COVID-19 death rates compared to southern regions. The article highlights the importance of Indigenous health-care sovereignty and self-determination in controlling the spread of the virus. Indigenous-led decision-making, community-centered approaches, and cultural relevance played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Recognizing and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination in healthcare is essential for developing sustainable health-care systems and addressing future health crises.
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
Developing strategic plans for population health and public health practice is particularly important in situations of scarce resources. This article notes that current planning efforts often rely on single metrics like cost-effectiveness and lack transparency and stakeholder input. It highlights the usefulness of multi-criteria decision-making tools that incorporate multiple stakeholder views and criteria. The authors suggest that institutions of higher education can help improve population and public health practice by teaching students about modern strategic planning tools that incorporate multiple factors and promote transparency and clarity in decision-making.
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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Summary Report/Recommendations
“In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Indigenous population, known as Māori, carries a disproportionate burden of disease compared to the settler population. The Treaty of Waitangi, a national treaty negotiated between Māori and the British Crown, guarantees Māori sovereignty, protects their interests, and promotes their well-being. It is considered central to ethical public health and health promotion practices in the country but its application is variable. The article underscores the significance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and leadership into public health curricula to address health inequities and decolonize the field. It calls for a shift towards prioritizing Indigenous perspectives, values, and frameworks, and fostering meaningful relationships between communities, educators, and Indigenous peoples.
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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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Summary Report/Recommendations
Strategic plans are key for helping local health departments understand where they are headed and how to get there. The National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) created this step-by-step local public health strategic planning guide. It explains the importance of strategic planning, identifies key stakeholders who should be involved, and provides an overview of the planning process. It also includes practical tips on conducting a community needs assessment, setting goals and objectives, and developing action plans. The guide emphasizes the importance of engaging the community, evaluating progress, and adapting the plan over time to ensure its continued effectiveness.
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:
Summary Report/Recommendations
The article discusses a World Health Organization (WHO) Special Initiative focused on reducing health inequities through action on the social determinants of health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Initiative aims to develop models and practices that can be adopted by WHO offices and UN staff to advance health equity. The article notes the importance of addressing structural determinants of health equity, such as institutional rules, policies, culture, and values, and highlights the need for multisectoral action. The Initiative focuses on strengthening knowledge and narratives, promoting action in Pathfinder countries, and enhancing networks of policy champions, academics, health workers, and communities. The strategic actions include strengthening knowledge, supporting community participation, and promoting collaboration for addressing structural determinants of health equity. Themes for action include as reducing precariousness in informal economy employment, improving income and food security, ensuring adequate housing and social services, and guaranteeing employment and sick 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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Summary Report/Recommendations
This commentary discusses the importance of inclusive health systems strengthening in promoting equity during health emergencies, using the example of disability inclusion in the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the increased risks faced by persons with disabilities during the pandemic and the barriers they encounter in accessing healthcare. It emphasizes the need for accessible and comprehensive health emergency preparedness and response plans that consider the needs of persons with disabilities. It also explores strategies for disability inclusion in COVID-19 responses, such as producing accessible public health information and involving organizations of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Opportunities to strengthen inclusion and equity in COVID-19 responses include equitable access to telehealth and inclusive decision-making processes.
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:
Peer Review Study
The Community Outreach Specialist (COS) program aimed to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among rural communities through targeted outreach efforts. The program trained and deployed community outreach specialists who engaged with community members, provided education about COVID-19 and vaccination, addressed concerns and misconceptions, and facilitated access to vaccination services. The COS program in reaching and engaging with socially vulnerable and medically underserved populations, successfully increasing vaccine acceptance and uptake in these communities by building trust, addressing barriers to vaccination, and tailoring outreach strategies to the local context. The article discusses the importance of community-based approaches, cultural competency, and collaboration with local organizations and leaders in achieving successful vaccine outreach. It also emphasizes the need for sustained efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccination and to address disparities in vaccine uptake among different populations.