Comunidad: Bringing better Long COVID care to underserved South Texas communities
Official title: Comprehensive Long COVID Care for Underserved Communities: Innovative Delivery and Dissemination Models (Comunidad)
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11177745 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will expand coordinated, culturally appropriate Long COVID care and outreach for people in San Antonio and rural South Texas who face barriers to medical and social services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $984,674 |
| NIH project number | 5U18HS029947-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11177745 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living in San Antonio or nearby South Texas communities with ongoing symptoms after COVID-19—especially Hispanic/Latino and underserved patients with limited access to care—are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
People who live outside the clinic’s catchment area or whose symptoms are not related to prior COVID-19 infection may not benefit from this local program.
What this research studies
As a patient with Long COVID in South Texas, this project aims to make it easier to get timely, coordinated care by expanding a multidisciplinary clinic and partnering with local providers. The program plans to shorten long waits for new appointments, increase access to social workers and mental health services, and train primary care teams to recognize and manage Long COVID. It will also use community outreach and culturally tailored information to reduce misinformation and connect people who lack reliable access to care. The work will run over five years and test sustainable delivery and dissemination models across San Antonio and neighboring rural communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, people with Long COVID in the region could get faster, more coordinated care, better support for social needs, and clearer information about managing their symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Specialty Long COVID clinics have helped patients elsewhere, but testing sustainable delivery and outreach models focused on underserved, largely rural Hispanic/Latino communities is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verduzco-Gutierrez, Monica — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Verduzco-Gutierrez, Monica
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
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Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
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Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
-
Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.