Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources

COVID-19 has demonstrated considerable disparities based on age and certain chronic illnesses as well as other social determinants of health. The population of the state of Oklahoma is at particular risk to SARS-CoV-2 due to its large rural population, strained healthcare system, and poor overall health. This study is an extension of the Oklahoma Shared Clinical Translational Resources (OSCTR) project CATCH-UP (Community-engaged Approaches to Testing in Community and Healthcare settings for Underserved Populations), which leveraged existing community partnerships (with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, Latino Community Development Agency, County Health Improvement Organizations, Public Health Institute of Oklahoma, and the Center for Applied Social Research) to help overcome the lack of robust public health infrastructure and healthcare in Oklahoma to address gaps in COVID-19 testing in rural populations. This study built on existing strengths and infrastructure to improve SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake in these highly susceptible populations.