We launched Community Voices in 2023, hoping it would help us at Public Good News listen more closely to those on the ground working to increase vaccine access in their communities.
Despite the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023, the COVID-19 virus is here to stay.
While data shows COVID-19 vaccine disparities are worse than ever, it’s important to highlight what is working to better understand the complexities health workers face in achieving vaccine equity.
Looking back, we are inspired by the creative and multifaceted strategies community health workers implemented in 2023.
Here’s a roundup of the most important lessons we’re bringing into 2024.
Community-building isn’t just a tactic; it’s the answer
Whether it was about working with older LGBTQ+ adults in Michigan, partnering with autistic people in Colorado, or coaching pregnant people in Mississippi about their risks, health workers taught us the importance of instilling a sense of belonging in the communities they serve.
“We realized that as an organization, we were most flourishing when our public health messaging focused on community, because that’s what people are craving,” explained Kat Hutton, program director at MiGen.
“So many people have had a huge deficit of [community] during this pandemic. … And by [that], I mean people to care for, people to talk with, people to interact with. How are we going to solve the pandemic if we’re ignoring the fact that community is, in so many cases, on the forefront of people’s minds, even before their physical health?”
Acknowledge people’s fear by honoring their courage
Health workers shed light on the ongoing impact of medical racism on historically excluded communities, including Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, in their engagement with the health care system. For example, Black and Latine communities access Paxlovid—an antiviral proven to reduce hospitalization and death from COVID-19—at lower rates, and they may hesitate to register for organ donation.
These health workers’ stories and experiences serve as a reminder that many individuals practice courage and confront their fears when they get vaccinated despite their aversion to needles, engage in honest conversations with their doctors about heart concerns, or have difficult discussions with their elders about the importance of vaccination.
Investing in a diverse workforce is essential to reaching those hit hardest by the pandemic
Conversations with community-based organizations like Mary’s Center in Washington, D.C., Southeast Arizona Health Education Center in Nogales, and Emmanuel Communities in Naples, Florida, emphasized the importance of investing in a diverse workforce to reach those hit hardest by the pandemic.
We repeatedly heard about the benefits of hiring people who spoke the same language, accessed a similar program, or shared the same culture or immigration status as the people they serve. Having common ground helped build trust more quickly in many cases.
“We have been very intentional about targeting and getting information to African-American and Hispanic [and] first-, second-, and third-generation communities within Collier County and Lee County,” said Howard Isaacson, chief executive officer at Emmanuel Communities. “We recognize their needs and the influences of family members on decisions in multi-generational households.”
This article is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the CDC Foundation totaling $69,392,486 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. In addition, the CDC Foundation does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information or content contained in this article. Moreover, the CDC Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this article. This article are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying the CDC Foundation’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the information, products, or services found therein.