YWCA SEMA Launches Vaccine Education & Outreach Project!

Thanks to funding from the Health Resources in Action Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grants, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts will begin a seven-month pilot project, YWCA COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Project, to increase vaccinations. This project will include education for individuals who are hesitant about getting vaccinated, assist those who lack access to transportation, and serve residents who reside in New Bedford.

The goal of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grants is to reduce COVID-19 infections, morbidity, and mortality among Asian, Black, Latinx, and other people of color in the hardest-hit cities, as well as to support education and awareness of vaccination efforts in Massachusetts. The MA COVID-19 Community Grants Program engages community- and faith-based organizations engaging in culturally and linguistically appropriate community outreach, communication, and education to further support hard-hit communities.

In partnership with the New Bedford Health Department, Southcoast Health, and Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores (CCT), YWCA Southeastern MA will conduct a variety of activities, including vaccine drives at CCT to door-to-door outreach efforts, to provide education about the COVID-19 vaccine, assistance with scheduling appointments, and support for transportation to vaccine sites. The YWCA joins numerous community organizations in New Bedford doing this work, and will aim to boost some of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in New Bedford.