During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities of color were impacted disproportionately by the virus. Long-standing systemic health and social inequities put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of illness and death from COVID-19.

To help combat the virus, Englewood Health established community vaccine clinics that provide a safe and inclusive environment for all; economic, insurance or immigration statuses are not barriers for those who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at our locations. To facilitate the registration process, we offered vaccination appointments to community members, provided information in several languages; and translation services to ensure clear communication with all those we serve. We explored the various streams of information, including misinformation, about the vaccine, during meetings with pastors and community leaders. This collaboration uncovered specific concerns about vaccine hesitancy shared by communities of color. Our commitment to the community is to always provide accurate and timely information so that anyone who chooses to get vaccinated can make an informed decision.

As a result of these actions, the Englewood Health team vaccinated community members from diverse backgrounds, including many with no computer access and whose first language is not English. By providing access to vaccines, we were able to help mitigate risk factors for the most vulnerable in the community. Everyone who was vaccinated received educational materials detailing important facts and answering frequently asked questions. This prepared community members with accurate information about the vaccination process, to make informed decisions about their care, and to be advocates for the community at large by sharing their experiences.