The story of the COVID-19 outbreak in rural, Midwestern communities is uniquely defined by flares in meat-packing plants and long-term care facility hotspots, as well as few social restrictions when compared with the rest of the country. Our long-standing community research presence and the existing telehealth infrastructure of our institution positions our team to understand the health needs of this region and investigate the long-term impacts of this time period on the next generation.

 

Avera Center for Pediatric and Community Research (CPCR) is part of the Avera Health system, a large rural health network serving more than 1 million people across the local region, as well as a multitude of telehealth services in more than 250 hospitals and clinics throughout the US. The Avera Health service area includes 14 federally-recognized tribal communities, and historically serves those most at-risk. Our research efforts are influenced by the need in our local community and the impact it will have on generations to come.