Sisters in Common

Sisters in Common's Community Innovation project targeted the health and related social needs of African Heritage communities in King County during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project brought together healthcare professionals, community representatives, and social service providers to serve the African American, Eritrean, Somali, and Ethiopian Oromo-speaking populations. Our efforts focused on fostering cultural humility, ensuring whole-person health, and improving access to healthcare and social services.

The initiative ensured that community members were actively involved in decision-making, had access to essential resources and support, and felt empowered to advocate for their health and well-being. The project was driven by a strong belief in the power of community-informed solutions and the critical need to address the root causes of health disparities.

Overall, the project concentrated on addressing social determinants of health disparities, enhancing healthcare access, promoting cultural empowerment, and adopting a holistic approach to tackle the various social and health-related challenges that our community members, our families, our friends, and neighbors faced during the crisis and its ongoing effect.

“The single most valuable achievement resulting from this innovation project was the significant reduction in the “Covid-Long-Covid” severe illness and death rate among our African Heritage populations. By working together collaboratively, we successfully reduced the disparity in death rates between our community members and White majority individuals.”

Access the Playbook