We are seeking your guidance.

In an ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Mid-America Regional Council is partnering with community-based organizations, health care providers and local public health agencies to provide clear and accurate information to the region’s residents. The objective of the outreach is to educate those most affected about COVID-19, both those who are medically vulnerable to COVID-19 and those who are generally vulnerable due to other disadvantages. Our goal is to gain trust from these communities, encourage proactive health behaviors, share information about resources and support, and dispel rumors about the virus.

Please join us next week.

We invite you to attend one (or more) of three upcoming sessions on COVID-19 Communications to At-Risk Populations. During these sessions, we are seeking input on:

• Attitudes and beliefs among vulnerable populations about COVID-19
• Barriers to accessing testing and treatment
• Trusted voices and methods to deliver appropriate health information
• Strategies to build trust among vulnerable communities
• Successful and culturally relevant messages to encourage behavior change
• Effective communication channels to reach at-risk groups
• Best practices in addressing rumors and misinformation

We will focus on three at-risk groups.

The three sessions will focus on the following at-risk populations. Please register for any discussion you are interested in.

• People of color: According to the CDC, non-Hispanic Blacks have a COVID-19 hospitalization rate approximately five times that of non-Hispanic whites, and Latinx populations have a hospitalization rate approximately four times that of non-Hispanic whites.
• People with limited access to accurate information: This includes individuals with limited English proficiency or literacy, and those who are socially or culturally isolated, such as recent immigrants.
• Essential workers: This discussion will focus on individuals who may be unable to maintain social distancing while at work due to the nature of their jobs or people who fear they will struggle financially or lose their jobs, if they have to miss work due to illness or quarantine.

Upcoming Meetings

Monday, Aug. 10 | 10-11 a.m.
Focus Area: People of Color
Register here>>

Wednesday, Aug. 12 | 1-2 p.m.
Focus Area: People with Limited Access to Accurate Information
Register here>>

Thursday, Aug. 13 | 2-3 p.m.
Focus Area: Essential Workers
Register here>>

Questions: Thank you for your efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keeping members of our community safe and healthy. If you have questions about the upcoming meetings, contact Catherine Couch at 816-701-8389 or ccouch@marc.org.

MARC's outreach to vulnerable populations most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is supported by grants from the Health Forward Foundation and the REACH Healthcare Foundation.