The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) has received a second grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to support COVID-19 vaccine education outreach.
The Vaccine Equity Initiative was created by DPH -- and then contracted to local nonprofit Health Care For All (HCFA) -- to support a tailored community-based approach around the individual needs identified by each municipality. Part of this outreach includes identifying gaps and mapping available resources to reduce barriers to vaccination in 20 identified cities and towns most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
The Learning Center for the Deaf was a grant recipient in 2020, allowing the organization to provide public awareness campaigns, videos and distribution of materials to the broader community, with a focus on the Deaf and hard of hearing populations. During the past two years, TLC has offered multiple resources, social media posts and education to the MetroWest community and its TLC families through its dedicated webpage.
Earlier this year, the Baker-Polito Administration announced an additional $7 million in funding as part of the Administration’s investments of over $58 million to promote vaccine access and confidence, primarily in communities of color. In total $5.9 million was awarded to 72 community- and faith-based organizations, including five Tribal and Indigenous People-serving organizations, in partnership with Health Resources in Action (HRiA). TLC was a recipient of an additional $50,000 to continue its work.
As a Vaccine Education Campaign Partner, The Learning Center for the Deaf will collaborate with HCFA to support activities related to a vaccination awareness and outreach campaign, including educational marketing through emails and social media.
Founded in 1985, HCFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to advocate for health justice in Massachusetts by working to promote health equity and ensure coverage and access.
The Vaccine Equity Initiative is a collaborative project with various key stakeholders, including local Boards of Health, local community and faith-based organizations, community health centers, and community health workers who can support grassroots outreach.