Improving COVID-19 testing experiences in Latino communities.
Official title: CO-CREATE-Ex: Community-engaged Optimization of COVID-19 Rapid Evaluation And TEsting Experiences
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10617124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making COVID-19 testing easier and more helpful for Latino residents in San Diego, especially those living near the border, by letting them use both quick and regular tests and connect with local health services to take charge of their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,023,111 |
| NIH project number | 1U01MD018308-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10617124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are Latino residents of San Diego, particularly those living in central and southern communities affected by high COVID-19 infection rates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in the targeted communities or who are not part of the Latino population may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing COVID-19 testing experiences for Latino residents in San Diego, particularly in areas near the US/Mexico border. By partnering with local health centers and community organizations, the project aims to implement and evaluate a program that utilizes both PCR and rapid antigen testing. Participants will be engaged in self-administering tests and using health technology to access additional healthcare services, thereby empowering them in their health management. The project seeks to optimize testing strategies to ensure better access and outcomes for the community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to COVID-19 testing and better health outcomes for underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in community-engaged approaches to public health interventions, particularly in enhancing access to testing and healthcare services.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laurent, Louise Chang — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Laurent, Louise Chang
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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.