commitment to an inclusive community award

Here is what was said in the nomination for the Health Disparities Reduction Committee:

“I am proud to nominate the Health Disparities Reduction Committee at the University Health Center (UHC) for the Commitment to an Inclusive Community Award. This committee, formed in 2023, has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the UGA community through their innovative and impactful efforts to reduce health disparities. Their work, specifically in the area of HPV immunization and education, has helped to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the health resources and education they need to thrive.

The committee’s creation was in response to new health equity accreditation standards, now a Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal. Membership includes a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff from UGA, making it a truly collaborative effort across various disciplines. The committee was tasked with identifying and addressing health disparities within the UHC patient population, and they chose to focus on the disparity in HPV immunization among students as their goal. Using data from the Center for Medicaid Services’ Disparities Impact Tool and scientific literature, the committee identified significant gaps in HPV vaccination rates, particularly among male and non-white students.

Through their careful analysis, the committee identified that a lack of knowledge around HPV vaccination status was prevalent, with 13% of undergraduate and 29% of graduate students unaware of their vaccination status. To address this gap, the committee launched a multi-faceted HPV education and vaccination campaign, aiming to increase awareness and reduce health disparities in this area. Their work included modifications to clinic policies and infrastructure to increase access to HPV vaccination, including allowing immunizations up to age 45 and expanding point-of-care vaccination services across multiple clinics within the UHC.

The education campaign targeted traditionally underserved and marginalized student populations, utilizing innovative methods such as mirror clings in Greek Life housing, bus cards on UGA transit, and outreach efforts in collaboration with campus partners. This multifaceted approach allowed for targeted communication and engagement with students who might have otherwise been overlooked, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to access vital health information and services.

A significant innovation in this initiative was the implementation of a QR code system, allowing students to inquire about their HPV vaccination status and receive health literacy information in real time. This initiative was staffed by an undergraduate intern from the College of Public Health, who responded to student inquiries, providing them with up-to-date information and guidance on making appointments at UHC to receive the HPV vaccine. This interactive platform ensured that students had easy access to the information they needed and could take actionable steps toward improving their health compliance.

The results of the campaign speak for themselves. In the academic year, the UHC administered 422 HPV vaccinations, marking a remarkable 216% increase from the previous year. More importantly, the number of unique patients receiving the vaccine increased by 242%, with a significant uptick in vaccinations occurring outside of the Allergy/Travel Clinic thanks to the expanded point-of-care access.

This initiative exemplifies the committee’s dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through action. By addressing a critical health disparity and working collaboratively to create an accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant solution, the committee has not only increased healthcare access but also empowered students from diverse backgrounds to take control of their health. The committee’s approach has not only reduced barriers to healthcare access but also provided essential education.”