Novel Strategies to Increase COVID-19 Testing Among Underserved and Vulnerable Populations in West Virginia

Am J Public Health. 2022 Nov;112(S9):S892-S895. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2022.307004. Epub 2022 Oct 20.

Abstract

This project addressed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing barriers in rural West Virginia by providing testing enhancements that included (1) a flexible testing staff, (2) mobile testing, (3) essential supplies, and (4) specialized testing in communities of color. A total of 142 775 polymerase chain reaction tests were performed from December 2021 through February 2022; positivity rates were 21% and 17% in clinics and mobile testing venues, respectively. The project results showed that, within a statewide network of health care clinics, administrators quickly identified and distributed enhancements and thus reduced testing barriers. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S9):S892-S895. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307004).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Testing*
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vulnerable Populations
  • West Virginia / epidemiology