COVID-19

COVID-19 has created an unparalleled health crisis across the globe that has ravaged underserved and vulnerable populations in the US, including in the territories of Puerto Rico (PR) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). While testing for COVID-19 has increased in the Caribbean territories, it is still deeply inadequate.

Addressing COVID-19 Testing Barriers

Community-Engaged Research on Testing Equity

Our research team is part of RADx-UP, an NIH-funded project to help the communities most impacted by COVID-19. We are working in partnership with federally qualified health centers and community-based organizations in St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Puerto Rico to increase and evaluate the rates of testing, follow-up on positive test results, connection to supportive services, the diffusion and uptake of new testing technologies, and best practices for COVID-19 testing and surveillance. Our research strategy utilizes community-based assets and cultural responsiveness to address barriers to full participation in the testing continuum.