The UPMC Post-COVID Recovery Clinic and University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Family and Community Medicine has partnered with the Black Equity Coalition (BEC) to establish Pitt’s Improving Access to Culturally Relevant Long COVID Care and Treatment (IMPACCT) Program. This program was made possible by a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services through the Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ).
The goal of the IMPACCT program is to expand care for people with Long COVID. The program will also teach the next generation of community health care providers — especially family practice doctors and trainees in Family Medicine — about Long COVID care and will improve access to primary and specialty care for Long COVID patients from underserved and rural populations.
BEC’s Black-led group of physicians and community health engagement experts will provide input on culturally relevant care and social determinants of health to ensure an equitable approach.
There are several efforts as a part of this 5-year project that are underway. Currently, UPMC health care providers are working with BEC Community Health Ambassadors on creating patient education materials that will be available to community members. The goal of these patient education materials is to help improve awareness of Long COVID and to provide information about Long COVID care options. These materials will be distributed at BEC events including upcoming vaccine clinics.
Reference article: Pitt is part of a national effort to advance long COVID treatments | University of Pittsburgh
