Black communities have been disproportionately impacted by the syndemic of COVID-19 and structural racism. Place-based initiatives (PBIs) are well-positioned to respond to this syndemic. This study sought to highlight disparities in access to social determinants of health (SDH) between two racially segregated communities, assess residents' needs and measure resource accessibility in one predominantly Black community, and describe the PBI's response. We measured racial disparities in access to SDH before COVID-19 using an SDH Index. We assessed participants' needs using a needs assessment and documented resource availability. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to measure resource accessibility.Results show inequities in access to SDH between the two communities before COVID-19. Following the onset of COVID-19, unemployment and food insecurity were higher in the predominantly Black community relative to the US population. Available resources did not always align with participants' needs and were less accessible for residents without private transportation. The PBI's response to the syndemic spanned SDH sectors. Inequitable access to SDH may be produced by structural racism and exacerbated by COVID-19.PBIs are well-equipped to employ a contextually informed, data-driven, cross-sector response to the syndemic.

Nearly 6 million workers support the multi-billion-dollar digital economy as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. labor market. Middle-skill jobs in the digital economy sector that pay higher wages and do not require a bachelor’s degree are underrepresented people of intersectional marginalized identities. This exploratory study builds upon previous research on digital inequities by examining the digital economy values, behavior, and interests of a small sample of residents in an area of Charlotte, North Carolina with known digital, social, and economic inequities. Analyses included descriptive and bivariate statistics. Given the exploratory nature of the study, no causal inferences are made, however, preliminary findings suggest a need for further research on digital skills training that addresses the intersectional barriers experienced in marginalized communities, and the need for place-based interventions that leverage localized policies in the areas of affordable housing, workforce development, and economic development. Implications and limitations are discussed.

Transgender and gender non-binary (TNB) individuals are disproportionately impacted by mental health disorders, substance use, and suicidal ideation and attempts than the general population.1–4 In addition, TNB individuals are more likely to experience stress due to trauma, stigma, discrimination, victimization, under/unemployment, housing instability, and lack of access to gender affirming behavioral healthcare, all of which contribute to poor behavioral health outcomes.1,5–8 In the southern region of the US, where the largest number and proportion of TNB individuals reside, cultural conditions that contribute to significant LGBTQ+ stigma and discrimination, racism, fewer educational and employment opportunities, and greater overall poverty further compound the risks of behavioral health disparities.9–12