Plenary: Addressing COVID-19 Inequities– Strategies To Rebuild Our Nation for an Inclusive Future

Moderator:

Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA, MSW
New York State Department of Health, Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention

Panelists:

Janet Ohene- Frempong, MS
Institute for Healthcare Advancement

Teresa Wagner, DrPH, MS, CPH, RD/LD, CHWI
SaferCare Texas

Action is needed to help those most affected by COVID-19 to prepare for subsequent waves and to address the long-standing issue of inequities. What advances are needed in policy, advocacy, and education to address these issues? How do we engage and educate the community and what is their role in this process? How can communities work with the city and government for an interagency collaboration?

Objectives

• Discuss at least one strategy you can use in your own community to help those most affected by COVID-19 cast a vote in November and in subsequent elections—despite the many barriers to easily doing so.
• Identify approaches that have effectively increased community awareness and action.
• Describe policy changes that are necessary for increased access to voting and civic participation, both of which can lead to better health.