**Forthcoming in Progress in Community Health Partnerships (PCHP) 20.1. All rights reserved.**
ABSTRACT
Background: GEORGIA CEAL implemented Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) to address health promotion and communication needs among urban/suburban Black/African American and Latina/o/Hispanic communities in Georgia during the COVID-19 syndemic.
Objectives: To illustrate methodological insights gained, we describe qualitative and CEnR methods used to identify and understand health needs for rapid syndemic response; report formative research qualitative findings; and share lessons learned on hyperlocalized impacts of the COVID-19 syndemic among priority populations.
Methods: Qualitative CEnR featuring early and meaningful inclusion of a Community Coalition Board. Data were collected through group and individual interviews. Data analysis used thematic, framework, and convergence/divergence analytical methods.
Lessons Learned: The CEnR approach and syndemic framework facilitated identifying and understanding COVID-19 interactions with endemic inequities and socio-political-economic factors among priority groups. Findings emphasize the key role of meaningful community engagement in research methods and the importance of identifying hyperlocal population characteristics.
Conclusion: Preparedness planning for future pandemic/epidemic response should incorporate CEnR expertise and hyperlocal approaches in research design and interventions. These approaches amplify community voices, leading to effective, context-responsive public health outreach.