Eliminating COVID-19 Disparities in Arizona in Partnership with Vulnerable/Underserved Communities

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the entire state of Arizona, but communities along the border with Mexico were impacted disproportionately. Latinx and American Indian populations in this region experienced higher infection rates and reduced access to testing and vaccination. Materials/Methods: This study targeted SARS-CoV-2 testing within defined testing deserts in Arizona. The study aimed to increase access to COVID-19 testing and related services for underserved transnational communities along the Arizona-Mexico border. Outcome/Impact: The intended outcomes of this study were to reduce disparities in testing access, increase participation in testing and related services, and provide a foundation for improved response to COVID-19 in Latinx and American Indian border communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic.