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The Minority and Rural Coronavirus Insights Study (MRCIS)

Greetings, 

 

There is a groundbreaking and critically important research initiative currently underway to test for and study the impact of COVID-19 in disproportionately-affected communities of color. The Minority and Rural Coronavirus Insights Study (MRCIS), which is part of Centene's broader Communities Together in Health initiative, is a collaborative effort between Centene, the National Minority Quality Forum, and Quest Diagnostics.  

 

As part of the effort, COVID-19 PCR testing, as well as antibody screening and labs are being made available in five states across the country, including the Greater Chicago Metro area in Illinois. In each of the selected states, we are working with local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to reach those most disparately impacted by COVID-19.  

 

Our collective efforts are expected to continue for a number of consecutive weeks as we work toward a goal of enrolling 1,000 participants into the study in each of the selected states. Research assistants are needed to assist the FQHCs where testing and the study enrollment is taking place. Additionally, weekly orientation sessions and study calls are scheduled, so anyone wishing to join our team can join in at any time.

 

We are in particular need of research assistants at our Chicago area sites in Joliet and Chicago Heights. This is a paid opportunity.

 

Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about the initiative is asked to reach out directly to Heather Sidwell Morris at heather.morris@wellcare.com or LaTasha Lee at llee@nmqf.org.  Please feel free to share with your network.

 

Thank you, 

 

NMQF Staff & Leadership

 

About the National Minority Quality Forum

The National Minority Quality Forum assists health care providers, professionals, administrators, researchers, policymakers, and community and faith-based organizations in delivering appropriate health care to minority communities. This assistance is based on providing the evidence in the form of science, research, and analysis that will lead to the effective organization and management of system resources to improve the quality and safety of health care for the entire population of the U.S., including minorities.

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