SAIC Partners With Yale University School of Nursing on Research to Improve Pandemic Response in Underserved Communities

Rhea-AI Summary

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) has collaborated with Yale School of Nursing to fund research aimed at improving access to vaccines in minority and rural communities. The study, commissioned in February 2021 and completed in December 2021, identifies strategies to combat vaccine hesitancy and enhance distribution. It emphasizes the need for technology and supply chain modernization to ensure that vaccines are delivered equitably. Recommendations include mobilizing community leaders and simplifying registration processes.

Positive

• Collaboration with Yale School of Nursing to enhance vaccine access.
• Study provides actionable insights for improving public health responses.
• Emphasizes the importance of technology in supply chain management for equitable vaccine distribution.

Negative

• Study highlights ongoing barriers to vaccine access in minority and rural communities.
• Identified issues with vaccine mistrust and misinformation may hinder future vaccination efforts.

Study underscores need for technology and supply chain modernization solutions to ensure vaccine and other resources are available to minority and rural communities

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) has partnered with Yale School of Nursing to fund research and provide recommendations to improve access to resources such as vaccines during a national response to a crisis.

“The findings and recommendations from this study will help inform local, state and federal decision makers on the barriers that still exist in rural and disadvantaged communities in the midst of a national response and how best to address these barriers,” stated Bob Genter, president, Defense and Civilian Sector at SAIC. “At SAIC, we believe the solution will also require technology and supply chain modernization to give agencies real time data from all points along the supply chain. Modernizing the vaccine supply chain is not about the newest technology, but about using the right technology to ensure that we distribute vaccines more effectively and more equitably in the areas that are most impacted.”

Commissioned by SAIC in February 2021 and completed in December 2021, the study focused on Black, Hispanic and immigrant communities during COVID-19. For Black communities the strategies identified to encourage vaccine usage largely converged into three categories: a) addressing mistrust, b) combatting misinformation and c) improving access to COVID-19 vaccines. In Hispanic communities, successful intervention occurs through the mobilization of local community leaders and improving access to information in one’s native language. For immigrant populations, the response must address general concern about threats to their residency status that could be triggered by engaging with healthcare systems.

“Our research explored the lack of vaccine equity in communities that were not only skeptical about the vaccine, but often lacked access to it,” stated Dr. LaRon Nelson, associate dean for Global Affairs & Planetary Health at Yale School of Nursing. “As we look ahead to the next wave of COVID and future pandemics, we have identified integrated strategies that can promote greater racial equity in vaccination. Companies such as SAIC can also bring their expertise to the table to address solutions.”

The study recommends several strategies for success in future pandemic or national response. For example, trusted members of underserved communities should deliver national emergency information in multiple languages; those responsible for outreach should leverage social media, radio and other means to disseminate information and counter misinformation; registration requirements should be simple; and a broad mix of points of vaccine distribution locations and service times should be available to alleviate conflict with work hours.

Learn more about the study here.

About SAIC
SAIC^® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation’s technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are more than 26,500 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion.​​​​ For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release contain or are based on “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “guidance,” and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, among others, estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings, earnings per share, charges, total contract value, backlog, outstanding shares and cash flows, as well as statements about future dividends, share repurchases and other capital deployment plans. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from the guidance and other forward-looking statements made in this release as a result of various factors. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause or contribute to these material differences include those discussed in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Legal Proceedings” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC, which may be viewed or obtained through the Investor Relations section of our website at saic.com or on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SAIC expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement provided in this release to reflect subsequent events, actual results or changes in SAIC’s expectations. SAIC also disclaims any duty to comment upon or correct information that may be contained in reports published by investment analysts or others.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220225005012/en/

Media:

Thais Hanson

703.676.8215 publicrelations@saic.com

Source: Science Applications International Corp.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the SAIC and Yale School of Nursing partnership?

The partnership aims to fund research that improves access to vaccines in minority and rural communities.

When was the study commissioned and completed?

The study was commissioned in February 2021 and completed in December 2021.

What strategies were identified for improving vaccine access?

The study suggests addressing mistrust, combating misinformation, and mobilizing local community leaders.

How can technology improve vaccine distribution according to SAIC?

Technology and supply chain modernization are essential for providing real-time data for effective vaccine distribution.

What populations are specifically mentioned in the SAIC study?

The study focuses on Black, Hispanic, and immigrant communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.