National Covid-19 Network Launches New Technology to Build Resilience Against Pandemic Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Nearly 40 partner organizations band together to bring communities culturally appropriate information and health services.
Atlanta (February 16, 2021) – Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) launched a new COVID-19 Network with a national coalition board to inform community-driven response, recovery, and resiliency strategies for addressing the impact of COVID-19 on communities. The launch of the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) occurs alongside the release of new digital technology developed in collaboration with KPMG LLP and Venture Leadership Consulting.
“Our national network connects individuals, families, community organizations and clinical providers to timely and relevant COVID-19 information and services in their neighborhood,” says Dominic Mack, MD, MBA, Professor of Family Medicine and Principal Investigator of the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network in the National Center for Primary Care at MSM.
With support from KPMG, Morehouse School of Medicine has built a platform to disseminate COVID-related information to minority populations accessible through the NCRN website. The technology platform uses advanced data and analytics to reach target populations and pair them with the services and support that they need, such as finding a COVID-19 test, filling prescriptions and getting a COVID-19 vaccine when distribution increases in the coming months. Future plans also include incorporating tele-medicine, which will allow doctors to consult with patients remotely.
“KPMG is dedicated to supporting community efforts addressing racial inequity,” said Todd Ellis, Partner, KPMG Health and Government Solutions. “Working with Morehouse School of Medicine and our other collaborators on these initiatives are special and something that can really move the needle for well-being in minority communities.”
The NCRN’s first community coalition board (CCB) meeting convenes on February 16th, 2021. “We’re facilitating systemic collaboration between NCRN partners, including national, state, territorial, tribal and local organizations and public health agencies,” says Daniel E. Dawes, JD., Policy Director of the NCRN and Director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at MSM.
The NCRN launch follows a $40 million award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health to coordinate a strategic network focused on delivering COVID-19-related information to communities hardest hit by the pandemic.
To access new COVID-19 resources, visit www.msm.edu/ncrn.
About Morehouse School of Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine, located in Atlanta, GA, exists to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities; increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce; and address primary health care through programs in education, research, and service, with emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation, and the world. MSM is among the nation's leading educators of primary care physicians and has twice been recognized as the top institution among U.S. medical schools for its dedication to the social mission of education. The faculty and alumni are noted in their fields for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, and are known in the community for exceptional, culturally appropriate patient care. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctorate and master’s degrees.
For media inquiries, contact:
Morehouse School of Medicine
Brittaney J. Bethea, MPH
Email: bbethea@msm.edu
Phone: (678) 548-1940