Baker admin amps up COVID resources
Rapid tests, vaccines are more available as cases go up
The Baker administration made moves to equitably distribute resources to combat COVID-19 for communities that need it most, including rapid tests and vaccines, as cases creep back up.
“As part of our public health toolkit, the Administration is committed to increasing access to convenient at-home COVID-19 tests for our residents,” said
Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders of the tests.
Over 1 million rapid tests will be distributed to eight of the state’s largest food banks and food access organizations, which serve over 850,000 residents each month at 570 local food pantries.
The rapid tests will be distributed alongside the food they hand out. The organizations will also be given COVID-19 self-test instructions in multiple languages.
The organizations receiving the tests include Greater Boston Food Bank, Worcester County Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western MA, Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Community Servings, Daily Table, Food for Free and About Fresh.
Over 10 million rapid tests have already been distributed across the state this year at schools, early education programs, emergency shelters, immigration-focused community organizations, community health centers, senior housing, health and human services programs and other locations.
The Baker administration is also awarding $4.5 million for COVID-19 vaccine equity efforts, a part of $51 million total invested by the administration to “promote vaccine access and confidence, primarily in communities of color,” according to the Department of Public Health.
The grants come from a major funding award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will be funneled toward community health centers and other communitybased organizations to promote vaccines and boosters for communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
“These trusted community-based organizations know their communities best,” Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke said. “They use their knowledge and relationships to expand the efforts of our Vaccine Equity Initiative by helping address the unique health equity needs of the communities and populations they serve – needs that have been exacerbated by COVID-19.”
The award includes $1.1 million for 26 communityand faith-based organizations, including indigenousfocused groups, $3.1 million for the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and $300,000 to support vaccine equity for rural communities.
Massachusetts is the fifth-most vaccinated state in the country, with 78% of the population fully vaccinated and 40% boosted. The most vaccinated state is Rhode Island, with 82% of its population fully vaccinated.