Improving Long COVID care for underserved communities in South Texas
Official title: Comprehensive Long COVID Care for Underserved Communities: Innovative Delivery and Dissemination Models (Comunidad)
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10932339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for people in South Texas with Long COVID to get the care they need by improving services at a local clinic and bringing in more support, like social workers, to help everyone feel better and get the right treatment.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $984,672 |
| NIH project number | 5U18HS029947-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in South Texas who are experiencing Long COVID symptoms and face barriers to accessing care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in South Texas or those who are not experiencing Long COVID symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to comprehensive care for individuals suffering from Long COVID, particularly in underserved areas of South Texas. The project will focus on expanding multidisciplinary care at the Post-COVID-19 Recovery Clinic in San Antonio, addressing long wait times for appointments and the shortage of knowledgeable primary care providers. By integrating social workers and increasing community awareness about Long COVID, the initiative seeks to create sustainable models of care that can be replicated in similar communities. The program will run for five years and will actively engage with the local population to ensure their needs are met.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of care and health outcomes for patients with Long COVID in underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various initiatives addressing Long COVID, this approach of integrating community-specific care models is innovative and aims to fill existing gaps in service delivery.
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.