Case Study
Community Engagement Strategies for COVID‑19 Prevention and Response in Underserved Communities in South Texas
April 2022 – July 2023
PROJECT GOALS
Understand beliefs related to COVID-19 and engage in individual and group-level interventions among Hispanic and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in South Texas
This project had multiple components focused on reaching Hispanics and socioeconomically disadvantaged community members in Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi, and surrounding areas.
We surveyed community members to collect data on mental health outcomes, thoughts related to vaccine boosters, attitudes toward getting children vaccinated, and the prevalence of long-COVID symptoms. With the consent of some survey respondents, we held individual and group-level interventions.
We also led 7 focus groups with 80 participants. Our goal with these focus groups was to understand the factors that enhanced or impeded full recovery of COVID-19.
Additionally, we partnered with local high schools to invite students — with the guidance of community healthcare professionals — to produce accurate COVID-related videos targeting adolescents, young adults, and parents.
Project Impact
Counties impacted Cameron, Hidalgo, Nueces, Starr, Willacy
Partners Community partners
The success of this Texas CEAL Consortium project is due to the dedicated work of our community partners. Corpus Christi ISD Healthcare Ed, Resources & Services (HERS, LLC, formerly COVID Shield), Amy Ramirez, FNP, Co-I Hidalgo County Community Service Agency Mission CISD Nueces County Mental Health Programs, Dr. Xavier Gonzalez, Director Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD South Coastal Area Health Education Center, Bel Flores, RN, Director South Texas Promotoras Association, Merida Escobar, President University of Houston UTRGV La Victoria Area Health Education Center, Starr County UTRGV School of Medicine UTRGV School of Social Work
Principal Investigator Luis R. Torres-Hostos
Dr. Torres-Hostos is a principal investigator for Texas CEAL Consortium and the Founding Dean and Professor for the School of Social Work, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Project team members
The following research team members contributed to this project.
Candace Robledo
Luis Alvarez-Hernandez
Loren Clark
Michael Machiorlatto
Subhash Chauhan
Leyla Feize
Related Publications
Factors Contributing to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy of Hispanic Population in Rio Grande Valley
View this publicationImplementation of the Texas Community-Engaged Statewide Consortium for the Prevention of COVID-19
View this publication
Related Videos
As part of this project, we partnered with students in arts departments at 8 high schools in the Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi area to create storytelling videos on COVID-related health themes
COVID-19 Precautionary Measures
April 12, 2023 MHS students from our HOSA, Multimedia, TV Production and Theater clubs collaborated in projects to create Public Service Announcements in collaboration with Texas CEAL. These projects are meant to bring awareness to our community on the subjects of protection against COVID and the lasting effects of COVID.
Watch this videoMental Wellness | COVID-19 and Your Health
January 23, 2023 MHS students from our HOSA, Multimedia, TV Production and Theater clubs collaborated in projects to create Public Service Announcements in collaboration with Texas CEAL. These projects are meant to bring awareness to our community on the subjects of protection against COVID and the lasting effects of COVID.
Watch this video