By: Follow South Jersey Staff
VOORHEES, N.J. — The National CDC Foundation has awarded Jefferson Health – New Jersey a $100,000 grant to establish an outreach program with community-based minority organizations to dispel myths about and increase access to vaccinations. Jefferson NJ is the only health system south of Trenton to receive a CDC grant under this program.
Jefferson Health is one of more than 100 community-based organizations (CBOs) throughout the U.S. awarded support — through this more than $30-million overall grant program — to promote COVID vaccination and reduce the disease’s burden.
The work of CBOs has been critical throughout the pandemic response, especially in communities with the highest risk for COVID-19. CBOs are uniquely positioned to provide culturally appropriate and community-tailored information about ways to reduce its risk, including the importance of vaccination.
The grant awarded to Jefferson will be used to fund and train community health workers, who will work closely with South Jersey leaders in areas with limited or disparate access to COVID-19 and flu vaccine education and access. The Jefferson Health program will be in place in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties. The grant-funded program, called “Building Trust for a Healthier South Jersey,” will focus on underserved Black and Hispanic community members, including migrant farmworkers, who historically have had challenges in acquiring health services.
Jefferson will use a Community Health Worker model to engage community leaders and provide valuable information and vaccine access. The new community health workers will also provide online technical assistance and appointment reminders for people seeking vaccines. South Jersey organizations interested in connecting with the program should call 609-744-2055.
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