The Impact of Dermatology Community Outreach Programs: Improving Health Equity Through Service.

BACKGROUND

DermmunityTM is a Los Angeles-based community service program established in 2020 at the University of Southern California Department of Dermatology to provide dermatologic education to local underserved communities.

METHODS

This study characterized the impact of Dermmunity through retrospective analysis and a prospective survey given over a one-year period (2023-2024).

RESULTS/DISCUSSION: From 2020 to 2024, Dermmunity reached 406 participants. Faculty and trainees led lectures on dermatologic health topics including how to access a dermatologist. Survey results demonstrated most participants were female (85.6%), Hispanic/Latinx (74.8%), and insured (88.2%). The largest age group were 35–44-year-olds (33.1%), and the most common highest education level was high school (39.8%). Most respondents found the information presented useful (92.3%), and half (50.9%) felt it would affect their skincare practices. Despite over half having prior skin, hair, or nail conditions, 61.3% had never seen their primary doctor for dermatologic issues. Less had been to a dermatologist (43.7%), nearly a third citing challenges accessing a dermatologist (30.5%). After presentations, the majority felt educated on when to see a dermatologist (79.5%), and 74.3% reported knowing how to schedule an appointment.

LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and non-response bias.

CONCLUSION

Community outreach programs like Dermmunity increase the dermatologic knowledge of participants’ and their confidence in when and how to access a dermatologist. Findings highlight how community-based educational outreach can bridge gaps to care in underserved communities and help improve health equity. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(9) doi:10.36849/JDD.8916e.