The Engaging Black/African Americans Working Group is gearing up for 2023 with a new focus on project presentations.

This working group highlights the efforts, best practices, and lessons learned by group members working to support preventive care among predominantly Black populations in the context of COVID-19.

RADx-UP project teams and their community partners are seeking information and support to better navigate their communities’ needs as COVID-19 priorities continue to evolve across the country, while maintaining conversations and services to support COVID-19 testing and treatment.

In 2022, members identified healthcare advocacy, best practices to support preventive care, and shared knowledge and networking as goals. In response, group chairs Magdalene Wellman and Ian Knight have shifted the focus of meetings to include presentations by working group members and community leaders.

These presentations are highlighting the great work being done across RADx-UP communities and provide strategies and resources to help navigate the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape.

“These presentations are opportunities to elicit discussion and build resources and support networks to help sustain current and future projects. As members are looking for ways to collaborate and share knowledge, we want to provide a forum where they can identify similar interests and priorities while also thinking of new ways to align around their goals," Wellman said.

The January 2023 meeting will feature health equity advocate Virgil Watson, Jr. He will discuss rural-based healthcare challenges, the importance of engaging with faith-based organizations, and what CEOs and other C-suite executives must consider before implementing changes.

February's presentation will feature Suzanne Afflalo on mobile health unit work in San Diego, California. March's presentation will feature Erin Shirley Orey on her community work in Jackson, Mississippi.

Use this form to join the Working Group or join from the Engaging Black/African Americans Working group webpage.

Watch past meeting recordings, including the most recent meetings, which featured VOICES and NYC COVID Warriors.