City of Providence and Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) will partner with local clinics to reduce disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
PROVIDENCE, RI- Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined the Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) to announce a $2 million award from the US Department of Health and Human Services to improve health literacy and promote COVID-19 vaccination in Providence. In partnership with the city’s major safety net clinics, RIPHI and the City of Providence Healthy Communities Office will promote health literacy and efforts to reduce disparities in COVID-19 vaccine rates among vulnerable communities while addressing other important public health disparities.
“Rhode Island Public Health Institute is a trusted partner who has provided tremendous support to Providence residents throughout this pandemic,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza ” While we continue to reduce barriers for those most in need, we know building partnerships with providers that serve our unique neighborhood needs is critical. We appreciate the ongoing support of all partners as we continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and vaccinate residents.”
Implementing partners include RIPHI, Open Door Health, Providence Community Health Center, the Rhode Island Free Clinic, Clinica Esperanza, Lifespan and the Adult Correctional Institute. Together, partners will develop a coordinated communications campaign that is culturally tailored to communities with lower rates of health literacy and vaccination rates to promote vaccine efforts in Latinx, Black and immigrant communities. The effort will also focus on improving health literacy about preventable overdose, food insecurity, and other public health issues.
“We believe this opportunity with the City of Providence and the city’s safety net community clinics will go a long way towards improving vaccine uptake in our state’s vulnerable communities,” stated Dr. Amy Nunn, Executive Director of RIPHI. “We are delighted to lead this health equity initiative in partnership with the City of Providence.”
“Rhode Island has one of the top vaccination rates in the country. This project will allow us to build on these successes and spread awareness about COVID-19 in communities with lower rates of vaccine uptake,” said Dr. Philip Chan, Chief Medical Officer of RIPHI. “This is especially important given the increasing number of infections by more infectious variants.”
Residents seeking COVID-19 testing or vaccination information are encouraged to call and connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1 or (401) 421-2489. Representatives are available to book vaccine appointments on behalf of constituents, in English or Spanish.