Building Trust to Prevent Disease Outbreaks in South DeKalb

Improving vaccination rates in South DeKalb demands more than offering appointments or sharing standard health messages. This project is grounded in a long-term investment in trying to address low vaccine uptake and it’s roots in decades of systemic inequities, deep-seated mistrust, and persistent digital and economic barriers.

These challenges often converge—poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to culturally relevant information- all contribute to a heightened risk of outbreaks and enduring disparities in health outcomes. Our work aims to address these barriers through supporting community partners with community-driven solutions that build trust, expand access, and promote health equity for every resident.