Researchers in DFPM’s Division of Public Health along with Utah Area Health Education Centers (Utah AHEC) have received a $1.4 million-dollar grant to address COVID-19 health disparities in Utah. The grant, which has a three-year contract period, is led by PI Sharon Talboys, PhD, MPH, and supported by Co-PIs Mia Hashibe, PhD; Ivette Lopez, PhD, MPH; and Kimberley Shoaf, DrPH, MPH. Under the CDC grant, the group will participate the National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities, acting as a sub-contractor to the Utah Department of Health. Researchers and staff participating in the grant will provide technical assistance to Utah’s health departments and community partners in reducing health disparities among high-risk and underserved communities. The Research Team will assist in improving data collection and leveraging data linkages, evaluating the effectiveness of COVID-19 efforts in reaching underserved communities, and supporting public health systems and the healthcare workforce. The grant also supports internships and field placements for Public Health graduate students and AHEC scholars.
