The Inclusive Health Equity Collaborative launched a large, state-wide initiative to address COVID-19-related health disparities and advance health equity by expanding support and services for Pennsylvanians.
Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, this initiative aims to reduce COVID-19-related health disparities among populations at higher risk and that are underserved, including people with disabilities, people with mental health concerns, and aging adults.
Key Activities
Technology and Digital Connectivity
Increase access to technology to eligible Pennsylvanians.
Connect with Tech is a statewide device and hotspot distribution program to increase access to technology and internet connectivity.
The technology distributed and supported by Connect with Tech improves access to COVID-19 related health services and information. Apps are available to support digital literacy skills, provide access to health and vaccination information, and improve access to telehealth using tutorials.
Information and application are available on the TechOWL website.
Accessible Health Communication
Improve health messaging and communication based on the beliefs, attitudes, and motivations of people with disabilities and aging adults.
The Institute on Disabilities is using community input to identify the best ways to create and share health messages and media with underserved populations.
The Center for Self Determination, Self-Direction and Self-Care is working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and aging adults to co-create targeted, accessible health messages informed by their personal stories.
The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion is developing a training on COVID-19 safety and prevention strategies for people with intellectual and developmental disability.
Social Connectivity
Provide services virtually which are designed to decrease stress, isolation, and loneliness for people with disabilities, mental health concerns, and aging adults.
The Center for Self Determination, Self-Direction and Self-Care runs “Making the Connection” and “Combating Loneliness Through Friendly Visiting” for people with disabilities and aging adults.
The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion runs the peer-led support group “Power of Dependable Souls” for adults with serious mental illness.
COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant Consumer Advisory Committee
The Statewide Covid-19 Response Advisory Board provides important community input on all aspects of the health disparities grant. They use their expertise and lived experience to make recommendations about project needs, activities, recruitment, and how to share this work with others.
Members include:
- Alan Holdsworth
- Bev Weinberg
- Crystal Austin
- Jack Butler
- Jeffrey Shair
- Lynda Pickett
- Monica Still
- Rob Wetherington
- Theo Braddy
COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant Partners
This project was funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s CDC COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant.