COVID-19 Large Network Center

Background: The purpose of this study was to reduce disparities in COVID-19 education, testing, contact tracing, follow-up, and treatment among minority, underserved, and vulnerable populations in Ohio. Testing rates in these communities were low despite active community spread. RADx-UP Ohio leveraged long-standing academic, state, and community partnerships to address multi-level barriers using a socio-ecological framework grounded in Social Determinants of Health, the Proctor Model for Implementation Science, and Community-Based Participatory Research.

Materials/Methods: RADx-UP Ohio implemented a multi-level, community-informed intervention across 12 counties using a three-wave stepped-wedge design. Interventions were tailored for each community and delivered through an integrated hub-and-spoke structure that included units for community engagement, testing, statistics and data management, human subjects oversight, and evaluation. Four regional teams carried out the work, each supported by community health workers and local stakeholders. Activities focused on increasing testing uptake, improving understanding of test results, and supporting follow-up actions including contact tracing.

Outcome/Impact: The study activities increased testing uptake, strengthened understanding of test results, and supported follow-up steps such as contact tracing. The findings guided public health partners and supported the spread of effective practices to reduce COVID-19 disparities across the state.