Recovery
HEALTH EQUITY IN ACTION !
S
pring has sprung , and Champions for Health ( CFH ) has been busy with our mobile COVID vaccination sites . People are feeling a mix of emotions : relief , satisfaction , pride and joy ! “ So many partners are coming together to support their communities . It feels like a celebration ,” says Andrew Gonzalez , Director of Community Health .
Our vaccination team and volunteer partners , comprised of Schools of Nursing , Nursing Associations , Physicians , Medical and Pharmacy Students , have administered over 10,000 COVID vaccinations at 150 community locations in health priority zip codes in 13 weeks . “ The magic combines community partners , such as Chicano Federation , Mount Hope Community Garden , La Posada de Guadalupe , with a community base who trusts them . Add to this our smooth process and friendly compassionate volunteers , and we have a recipe for success ,” explains Andrew . Partners doing what each does best for the community is how CFH simplifies the process of removing language , technology and transportation as barriers .
82 GBSAN . COM | MAY 2021
BY ADAMA DYONIZIAK , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , CHAMPIONS FOR HEALTH
Celene administering Moderna vax
Volunteer Qiana Neff , Southwestern College School of Nursing student commented , “ We are making history . As a person that comes from a lower socioeconomic background , I really appreciate the vision and heart of Champions for Health . It brought me great joy to meet people in need , right where they are .”
The social isolation between family members has been the most difficult part of the pandemic for some . Our COVID team member Alona had a surprise when she went to vaccinate seniors at a Skilled Nursing Facility where her mom , Pranee , resided . Alona had not seen her Mom in a year and cried with joy when she hugged her . The joy was mixed with sadness , “ I think she knew it was me when she hugged me ,” since her 77-year-old Mom did not recognize her due to her Alzheimer ’ s .
As eligibility for COVID vaccinations increases , Champions for Health will continue to bring mobile vaccinations to senior care facilities , low-income senior housing , local farms , markets , faith-based organizations , and homeless providers , in health priority zip codes .
Come join us at our 2nd annual Champions Soirée – Waves of Wellness event at the Birch Aquarium on July 10th www . championsforhealth . org .