Improving Dermatologic Health Equity: Community-Based Outreach in the Hispanic Population of Charlottesville

Limited English proficiency and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system are significant barriers to dermatologic care for Hispanic populations in the United States. To address this disparity, we developed and implemented a community-based dermatology outreach program as part of the broader Latino Health Initiative in Charlottesville, Virginia. This program aimed to improve dermatologic health equity through culturally tailored education, free skin screenings, and facilitated specialty referrals. From 2022 to 2025, seventy-five community members were screened at local events, with nearly all participants receiving at least one dermatologic diagnosis. Common conditions included inflammatory dermatoses, acneiform disorders, pigmentation abnormalities, and infectious skin diseases. Over half of participants were referred to specialty care, with bilingual volunteers coordinating follow-up to prevent care gaps. Educational efforts included in-person presentations, social media outreach, and distribution of bilingual materials. Participant feedback indicated increased awareness of skin conditions and greater confidence in seeking care. This initiative highlights the importance of accessible, linguistically and culturally competent dermatologic services in reducing health disparities. Community-based outreach programs such as this serve as a scalable model for improving skin health equity among underserved populations and fostering trust in the healthcare system.