During the pandemic, the Office of Health Equity has worked to address equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines by engaging with relevant stakeholders across agencies and within local communities. We have utilized data and analytics to identify inequities related to medical and social barriers to vaccine access among vulnerable populations in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These inequities were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which further illuminated the social, economic, and physical hardships faced by communities. These challenges not only impact short-term health and health care needs; but also impact overall well-being on individuals, families, and communities long-term. Addressing this public health issue will require interventions that enable systemic changes and creates sustainability via new financial schemes, partnerships, data and IT support, workforce building, and infrastructure strengthening across multiple health and social domains. To that end, we have outlined 9 activities which address these public health challenges and meet the strategy requirements of the CDC grant application.To address the widening disparities in these underserved communities, the Commonwealth has engaged diverse partners and has stood up various equity initiatives. In identifying the 9 activities for funding, the commonwealth brought together various stakeholders for input. The Commonwealth was guided by the Cabinet for Health and Family (CHFS) 4 pillars- equity, resiliency in individuals and communities, health and well-being and structural economic support. The Commonwealth also identified existing models of care in urban and rural settings that could be scaled and adapted to expand population reach and Incorporated themes of racial equity, data equity, and family-centered approaches throughout the 9 activities. We diligently Interviewed key stakeholders across geography (community to state level), care settings (community-based organizations and heal
th care providers), and vaccine-related workgroups (immunization, health equity, aging and living) to understand current equity activity successes, challenges and needs. We also utilized data and analytics to make data driven decisions. Through this grant and other funding sources the Commonwealth aims to integrate sustainability measures to ensure that these activities have long-term impacts. Based on input from stakeholders and from grant criteria we have outlined the following 9 activities: 1) Co-locate substance use disorder and COVID-10 services, 2) Address Adverse Childhood Experiences in rural Kentucky, 3) Expand Community Health Worker Model, 4) Expand Connectivity for Telehealth, 5)Pilot Transportation program for Non-Medical Service, 6)Expand Office of Health Equity, 7)Sustain Health Equity Advisory Board, 8)Disburse Community Engagement Block Grants and 9)Create and Implement Health Equity Data Strategy. This grant opportunity enables the Commonwealth to continue to advance health equity in racial and ethnic minority groups and rural populations. Grant scope and approach takes into consideration various concurrent activities across CHFS and state agencies to ensure differentiation and collaboration across work groups, grants, programs and activities. Our goal is to scale and adapt existing equity initiatives that have had positive impacts in localities in order to drive systemic and structural changes. To succeed each activity will 1)continuously engage new stakeholder groups at the community level 2)Develop a sustainability model to continue to monitor and evaluate health equity programs and 3)Convene monthly/bi-monthly and assess impact and outcomes from funding.
