Implementing a Covid-19 Testing Intervention in African American Testing Deserts in Chicago: an Academic-Community Partnership to Promote Covid-19 Health Equity

In partnership with the Alive Faith Network, researchers built a network of church- and community-based COVID-19 testing sites in African American Chicago neighborhoods identified as testing deserts, administering 4,005 tests across 27 sites and 397 testing events. About 29% of participants returned for repeat testing, and the team adapted in real time by moving from churches to community settings as turnout patterns shifted. The study underscores the value of academic-community partnerships for equitable public-health emergency response.