A Systems Perspective of How Community-Engaged Public Health Addresses Social Determinants of Health: A Case Study of a Population-Based COVID-19 Testing Program

Our findings highlighted the complexity of public health issues such as COVID-19 and how community engagement is critical to addressing SDOH and health equity. Importantly, dedicating resources to community engagement created positive reinforcing dynamics to improve the health of communities; however, as COVID-19 became better managed, funding also diminished and decreased the capacity for community-engaged efforts. Research in public health needs to focus on understanding and reshaping systems that better support community-engaged efforts.