Community-Engaged Insights: Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Immigrant and Refugee Health

This presentation will share findings from a CIHR-funded, community-engaged research program (https://ccdproject.ca/) examining the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on immigrants and refugees in Ontario living with cancer and mental health and addiction (MH&A) conditions. Using population-based, linked administrative health data, the study highlights how intersecting social and clinical vulnerabilities—such as poverty, precarious employment, and systemic inequities—contributed to significantly worse COVID-19 outcomes among these populations, including higher rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. The research underscores how structural factors and pre-existing health conditions compound disadvantage during public health crises.

A key feature of this work is its strong community engagement approach. Through two multi-stakeholder think tank sessions, individuals with lived experience, service providers, policymakers, and researchers collaboratively interpreted findings and identified actionable strategies to address inequities. Recommendations include leveraging foreign-trained healthcare professionals as community health ambassadors, enhancing access to culturally responsive services, strengthening intersectoral collaboration, and improving health and digital literacy among newcomers. In partnership with Access Alliance, findings have been actively disseminated through community-based channels, ensuring relevance to policy and practice. This presentation will highlight how community voices shaped the research and informed practical solutions for more equitable health systems.