Nonprofit receives $2.6M to combat vaccine hesitancy
BRIDGEPORT — Americares, a Stamford-based nonprofit health organization, has received $2.6 million in federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to target those who are hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Rep. Jim Himes, DConn., who was present for the announcement at the Fred Weisman Americares Free Clinic of Bridgeport on Tuesday, offered his congratulations, according to a news release from Americares.
“Vaccine hesitancy, among other factors, is preventing low-income, immigrant and communities of color from getting vaccinated, even though these communities are most adversely impacted by COVID-19,” a statement from Himes said. “I am
proud to see Americares — a well-respected relief organization based in
southwestern Connecticut — encouraging vaccination so that life can get back to normal as quickly as possible.”
The organization plans to use the funding to challenge myths and educate volunteers and staff about the importance of vaccination. The organization plans to work with “hundreds of clinics,” National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and state associations around the country.
Americares President and CEO Christine Squires noted the role free and charitable clinics play in providing health care for underserved communities.
“Provider confidence in the vaccine and the vaccine rollout is critical,” she said. “Patients will be more likely to get vaccinated if the message comes from a trusted health care provider who is vaccinated.”
The organization noted the results of a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Washington Post that found nearly half of front-line health care workers in the U.S. still have not received a first dose of the vaccine.
About 30 percent of those not yet vaccinated have said they either haven’t decided whether to get the vaccine, or plan not to get it, according to the results of the survey.
“There is much work to be done to dispel myths and misinformation even within the medical community,” Squires said in a statement. “Americares will also equip free and charitable clinics with information about vaccine safety that they can share with patients concerned about side effects or efficacy.”
Throughout the pandemic, the organization has been providing primary care services as well as medicine, training and mental health services to health care workers around the world.