Key Takeaways:

• Georgia CEAL is a state-wide coalition, part of a network of 21 support teams across the U.S., targeting underserved communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
• Through partnerships with organizations like Project PEACH and the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia (HHCGA), Georgia CEAL enhances its community outreach and impact.
• The recognition by PCAST highlights the importance and effectiveness of community-engaged practices in addressing health disparities.
• Access the Full Report via this link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PCAST_Public-Health-Report_May2023.pdf

Introduction

In the face of unprecedented health challenges, community-engaged responses prove crucial in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. The Georgia Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities, better known as Georgia CEAL, has made commendable strides in this domain. Recognized in the U.S. President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology's (PCAST) "Supporting the U.S. Public Health Workforce" report, Georgia CEAL is making a difference in communities most affected by the pandemic. "We are proud of this recognition, and it fuels our commitment to address health disparities," says a representative from Georgia CEAL.

"We are proud of this recognition, and it fuels our commitment to address health disparities"

Overview of PCAST and Its Report

The U.S. President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is an esteemed advisory body that guides the President on matters relating to science, technology, and innovation. PCAST's report, "Supporting the U.S. Public Health Workforce," puts forth numerous recommendations to fortify public health in the United States. One of the key recommendations, Recommendation 3b, calls for the expansion of a national community of practice focused on scientifically informed, community-engaged practices for health equity.

PCAST Report Key Recommendations

1. Enhance public health data infrastructure

2. Foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive public health workforce

3. Expand a national community of practice for health equity

4. Increase funding for public health agencies

Georgia CEAL: A Model for Community Engagement

Georgia CEAL's mission to address COVID-19 disparities among ethnic and racial minority communities is a beacon of hope. The coalition leverages established relationships between NIH-funded researchers and local community-engaged leaders to reach underserved communities. "Our research and outreach efforts are designed to reduce disease disparities statewide," says Tabia Henry Akintobi, Ph.D., MPH, one of the team lead principal investigators of Georgia CEAL.

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"Our research and outreach efforts are designed to reduce disease disparities statewide"

Georgia CEAL Key Impact Statistics

1. Statewide coalition across Georgia

2. Part of a network of 21 support teams across the U.S.

3. Targets underserved communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19

Partnership with Project PEACH and HHCGA

Georgia CEAL has built strategic partnerships to augment its mission. Project PEACH and the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia (HHCGA) are among their collaborators. These alliances enhance Georgia CEAL's work by bringing unique insights and resources.

At the heart of HHCGA is Shirley E. “Bella” Borghi, its executive director. Borghi's leadership has been instrumental in advancing health policies to improve access to services for Hispanic/Latino children and adults. "Our collaboration with Georgia CEAL is a testament to our shared commitment to reducing health disparities," she says.

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"Our collaboration with Georgia CEAL is a testament to our shared commitment to reducing health disparities"

FAQs

1. What is Georgia CEAL's mission?
   Georgia CEAL aims to address COVID-19 health disparities in ethnic and racial minority communities through community-engaged research and outreach.
2. Who are Georgia CEAL's partners?
   Georgia CEAL has several partners, including Project PEACH and the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia (HHCGA).

3. What is the role of the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia (HHCGA)?
   Led by Executive Director Shirley E. “Bella” Borghi, HHCGA advances health policies to improve access to services for Hispanic/Latino children and adults, and it is a crucial partner to Georgia CEAL in its mission.
4. What is the significance of the PCAST report?
   The PCAST report provides guidelines to strengthen the U.S. public health infrastructure. Its recognition of Georgia CEAL underscores the effectiveness of community-engaged practices in addressing health disparities.
5. How does Georgia CEAL plan to sustain its efforts?
   Georgia CEAL intends to establish itself as a statewide community engagement hub for COVID-19 mitigation and future public health emergencies.

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"Our goal is to ensure our research and outreach processes are translated with, co-created by, and relevant to communities. We are here to make a difference"

Conclusion

The work of Georgia CEAL exemplifies the power of community engagement in addressing health disparities. With the support of its partners and the recognition by PCAST, Georgia CEAL continues to advance its mission against the odds of the pandemic. Its work provides a model for others to follow, demonstrating that health equity can be achieved through dedicated effort, strong partnerships, and community engagement.

"Our goal is to ensure our research and outreach processes are translated with, co-created by, and relevant to communities. We are here to make a difference," says a Georgia CEAL representative, emphasizing the coalition's commitment to its mission.

Georgia CEAL, with its partners, is indeed changing the landscape of public health in the face of COVID-19, one community at a time.

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