BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an additional $7 million in funding to support organizations working in communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is a component of the Massachusetts Vaccine Equity Initiative to increase awareness and access to the COVID-19 vaccine and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. The latest grants are part of the Administration’s investments of over $58 million to promote vaccine access and confidence, primarily in communities of color.
The grants are the result of budget appropriations from the Massachusetts Legislature, building on the state’s investment to increase vaccine awareness and acceptance. These funds support community organizations to continue the work of reducing barriers to vaccine access and promoting vaccines and boosters for communities and populations most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have turned to trusted community-based organizations who know their communities best,” said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “They continue to tap their knowledge and relationships to expand and support our Vaccine Equity Initiative by addressing the unique health equity needs of the populations they serve – needs that continue to be exacerbated by COVID-19.”
$5.9 million has been awarded to 72 community- and faith-based organizations, including five Tribal and Indigenous People-serving organizations, in partnership with Health Resources in Action (HRiA).
The organizations will provide culturally appropriate outreach and education on COVID-19 vaccination and mitigation and will host and promote vaccine clinics for priority populations most impacted by COVID-19. Funded organizations will engage families and children for pediatric vaccinations and boosters.
HRiA will also engage in a new partnership with Health Care for All (HCFA), which received close to $1 million of the new funding to conduct tailored community outreach in communities most impacted by COVID-19. This amount includes $415,000 to fund seven additional community- and faith-based organizations.
Award Recipients for Tailored Community Outreach (HCFA) ($415,000 total)
Grant size: $52,000 – $77,000 per organization
- ACEDONE: African Community Economic Development of New England
- Authentic Caribbean Foundation: Boston, Brockton, Mattapan, Worcester, and Springfield
- Brazilian American Center: Framingham
- Making Opportunity Count: Fitchburg and Leominster
- NewVue: Fitchburg and Leominster
- The Learning Center for the Deaf: Framingham
- True Alliance Center: Mattapan, Brockton, and Randolph
To read the full press release, click here.