A Community-Led Approach to Enhance COVID-19 Testing Among Vulnerable Latinos

Background: The purpose of this study was to address the disparity of the U.S. Latino population who had a three times higher infection rate than non-Hispanic whites during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials/Methods: The investigators along with community partners established a multi-pronged approach that leveraged the skill set of trusted bilingual/bicultural peer navigators (or promotoras) to address social determinants of health that created barriers to testing (such as lack of insurance, immigration status, stigmatization, or loss of job/income), and to expand access to free COVID-19 testing in community settings. Clinical questionnaires and behavioral surveys were collected from participants.

Outcome/Impact: Preliminary findings indicated that leveraging the promotora model for timely delivery of results (within 48 hours), paired with rapid linkage of COVID-19 positive patients to critical services (including clinical follow-up, food delivery, cash assistance, and/or isolation hotel), and referral of contacts for testing, increased acceptability and uptake of COVID-19 testing in a heavily impacted Latino community.