Historically marginalized communities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, 21% of the Colorado population is Hispanic or Latinx but accounts for 36% of COVID-19 cases. In addition, barriers associated with language, limited knowledge of the healthcare system, lack of health insurance, immigration challenges, technology, and ongoing racial/ethnic discrimination among immigrant and minority people have exacerbated the challenges with accessing COVID-19 vaccines. The Gyedi Project has developed a unique sub-community outreach strategy, facilitated primarily through remote outreach and minimal funding, to host and advertise COVID-19 vaccination pop-up clinics in underserved settings to promote community safety and trust. 

In this presentation Dr. Cynthia Hazel discussed the work of the Gyedi Project through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, lessons learned, and plans for sustained community outreach to support BIPOC Coloradans with equitable healthcare access during and beyond the pandemic.  

Presented by:

Cyntha Hazel, DrPH | Research Manager at OMNI Institute 

Kweku Hazel, MD | Faculty Fellow, Minimally Invasive Surgery at University of Colorado Hospital