CUCE-NYC is a partner on a nationwide Program to Alleviate National Disparities in Ethnic and Minority Immunizations in the Community (PANDEMIC) supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that connects cooperative extension educators with Clinical and Translational Science Centers (CTSCs) at medical colleges in six states. The project’s mission is to provide the most current and reliable adult vaccine information particularly about COVID-19, as well as influenza, shingles, flu/pneumonia, and other vaccinations that prevent infectious disease outbreaks. In New York City, the Albert Einstein Medical College/Montefiore’s CTSC focuses PANDEMIC work on the Bronx.
TOWN HALL. The Bronx PANDEMIC Project team hosted a hybrid local/national town hall on December 14, 2022 engaging over 120 participants in-person at the Bronx Community College and virtually. The focus of the Town Hall was “Bronx COVID-19 Perspectives—What We Have Seen & What Does It Mean?” Led by Bronx PANDEMIC Project steering committee members Dr. Monique Guishard (Associate Professor of Psychology at Bronx Community College) and Dr. Justin Brown (Professor at LaGuardia Community College), the Town Hall addressed community concerns and insights surrounding COVID-19, and facilitated discussion with a panel of infectious disease and immunization experts. Additional contributions to the town hall event were made by many, including Hal Strelnick, PhD (PI, Bronx PANDEMIC Project); Heather Archer-Dyer, PhD (Bronx PANDEMIC Project Coordinator); Solomon Gyan; Aminou Alfa (Public Health Policy and Management graduate students); and Danielle Parks (CUCE Bronx Program Liaison).
PANEL OF HEALTH EXPERTS. The Town Hall hosted a panel of health experts, including Brenda (IJ) Anosike MD, MPH (The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center); Seth Congdon, MD (Albert Einstein College of Medicine); Lucretia Jones, DrPh, MPH (NYC DOHMH); and Jaime Mogollon, MD (Albert Einstein College of Medicine). Panelists answered questions from attendees and addressed common myths surrounding the vaccine. They spoke about the value of getting vaccinated while breastfeeding or pregnant and addressed concerns regarding respiratory issues associated with masking. The panelists also offered recommendations for staying healthy this winter, since cases have historically increased during the colder seasons.
SURVEY FINDINGS. Bronx PANDEMIC Project Community Health Workers (CHWs), Jacqueline Borrero and Dione Roman, gather “Surveys of Perceptions” from community members at outreach events. The Town Hall offered an opportunity to discuss insights and concerns expressed through these surveys and to build on them as the project proceeds. Most survey respondents were Black or African American and lived in the Bronx’s 10457 zip code. Responses showed that the primary reasons for getting vaccinated were 1) fear of getting COVID-19 and 2) belief in the importance of getting vaccinated. Most respondents reported trusting the CDC, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government agencies for health information and recommendations. However, respondents who did not receive the vaccine reported a fear of side effects and feelings of distrust about the vaccine. While the survey primarily features multiple choice questions, the last question asks for an open-ended response regarding how the respondent thinks “we can end the pandemic.” Dr. Guishard also posed this question to the audience during the Town Hall. Those who answered stated that they did not believe the pandemic would ever end, but exist seasonally like the flu. Participants recommended that we should continue to follow the most up-to-date recommendations given by health organizations, like the CDC and NYC Department of Health.
OUTREACH EVENTS. Borrero and Roman also highlighted previous and upcoming outreach events organized in the Bronx. These events are opportunities for the team to collaborate with community and/or faith-based organizations, social service agencies, and other community stakeholders, to provide health education and medical resources, and to collect survey responses on perspectives about COVID-19 and vaccination, such as vaccine hesitancy. Danielle Parks, CUCE Bronx Program Liaison and CUCE Community Nutrition Educators provide resources and promote nutrition workshop opportunities at outreach events.
WORKING AS A TEAM. The Bronx PANDEMIC Project Team includes staff members and a volunteer steering committee. Active members include physicians and nurses, professors, public health master’s and medical students, community health workers, community members, and staff members of Bronx community-based organizations like CUCE. The PANDEMIC Project started work during 2021 and will continue through 2024.