Vulnerable Populations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play contribute to their health. These conditions, over time, lead to different levels of health risks, needs, and outcomes among some people in certain racial and ethnic minority groups.

In Alabama, African Americans tend to live in poorer communities, have less access to healthcare services, and have higher instances of chronic disease. These and other social and socioeconomic risk factors contribute to disproportionately higher risk of morbidity and mortality related to COVID-19.

Individuals from other racial and ethnic minority groups are also at greater risk, along with those who are elderly, immunocompromised, and those living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, HIV/AIDS, etc. Individuals with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness are also at increased risk.

According to information available on the Alabama COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard, it appears that the state's rural counties and Black population have been harder hit. Tabs 1 and 2 on the Dashboard, "Confirmed Rate," shows the rates per 100,000 population for cases by county. You will notice most counties in the Black Belt are experiencing the highest rates. Tabs 12 and 13 on the Dashboard provide case and death percentages by race. Per that data, African Americans in Alabama are experiencing infection and deaths at a disproportionate rate.

Resources

• Alabama Chronic Disease Resource Directory
• A Self-Advocate's Guide to COVID-19
• Bureau of Home and Community Services COVID-19 Vaccination for Homebound Patients Sample Policy NEW!
• Cleaning and Disinfection for Households
• Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities
• COVID-19 Accessible Resources (Georgia Tech Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation)
• COVID-19 Disability Form (Alabama)
• COVID-19 Information for People with Disabilities
• COVID-19: Recommended Preventative Practices and Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based and Community Leaders
• End Child Hunger in Alabama County Food Guide
• Find Meals for Kids When Schools are Closed
• Foodfinder: Connects Families to Feeding Sites
• Food Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Frequently Asked Questions for Administrators and Leaders at Community- and Faith-Based Organizations
• Guidance for Large or Extended Families Living in the Same Household
• Interim Guidance for Communities of Faith
• Outreach and Engagement of Vulnerable Populations COVID-19 Related Activities
• Racism and Health (CDC)
• Resources for Vulnerable Populations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH)

Downloads

• DIY Cloth Face Covering Instructions based on CDC Recommendations: English | Spanish
• Handwashing Poster #1: English | Spanish
• Handwashing Poster #2: English | French | Spanish
• Healthy At Home - Resources for People with Chronic Disease during COVID-19
• Obesity and Chronic Disease Prevention Programs
• Why Should You Get Vaccinated? Posters: 8.5 X 11 (Spanish version) | 11 X 17 (Spanish version)

For more handouts, visit Downloads.

Video PSAs

CDC American Sign Language (ASL) Video Series

COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mary McIntyre speaks about the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and says "Focus on fact over fiction and get vaccinated." For more info, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine.

COVID Vaccine Facts
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mary McIntyre speaks about the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and says "Vaccination against COVID-19 will work only if most of us take the vaccines." For more info, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine.

Protect Yourself & Others (COVID-19 PSA)
Featuring ADPH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mary McIntyre
Description: The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Alabama continue to rise, but you have the power to change this. A few simple steps can greatly reduce your chances of being exposed and exposing others to COVID-19. Learn more at alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19.

You are Safer at Home (COVID-19 PSA)
Featuring ADPH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mary McIntyre
Description: The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Alabama continue to rise, but you have the power to change this. A few simple steps can greatly reduce your chances of being exposed and exposing others to COVID-19. Learn more at alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19.

Know the Symptoms (COVID-19 PSA)
Featuring Vickie Moore, Exceutive Director of the Alabama Conference of Black Mayors
Description: If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first. For testing sites near you, call 1-800-270-7268. If you are tested, you should self-isolate and follow quarantine instructions. Learn more at alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19.

Symptoms? Get Tested! (COVID-19 PSA)
Featuring Vickie Moore, Exceutive Director of the Alabama Conference of Black Mayors
Description: If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first. For testing sites near you, call 1-800-270-7268. If you are tested, you should self-isolate and follow quarantine instructions. Learn more at alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19.

Page last updated: June 3, 2021