An informed public plays a significant role in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The importance of reaching all populations is paramount in a pandemic situation, and immigrant populations are particularly vulnerable. Central Wisconsin is home to growing Hmong and Hispanic communities, and messaging has not consistently reached these communities. Language, cultural, and literacy barriers exist. Immigration issues and discrimination further complicate the situation. Additionally, health and resource information is not static and continues to evolve. Healthcare providers and existing systems are often not fully aware of these issues and lack effective communication networks for underserved populations. Consistent reliable back-and-forth communication is needed to build and maintain trust. This presentation will describe an innovative approach developed by a collaboration of multiple community partners to develop systems of bi-directional communication and facilitate regular information exchange between health systems, public health officials, resource agencies, and people in the Hmong and Hispanic communities in North Central WI. Project coordinators will address challenges and early successes.

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