Wauwatosa Health Department Awarded Community Outreach Grant

Press release from the City of Wauwatosa:

April 5, 2021

The Wauwatosa Health Department was chosen by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as one of the recipients of $6.2 million in grants to support community outreach efforts in health equity. The grants were awarded to support local organizations in building vaccine confidence, sharing information, and reducing barriers to vaccine access in marginalized or underserved populations.

How will the funding be used?

To be considered as a grant recipient, health organizations across the state were required to submit a plan outlining their strategies for reaching communities in their area. The Wauwatosa Health Department received $50,000 in funds which will be used to foster greater understanding and improve vaccine access in Black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) communities as part of the City’s commitment to equity. The Health Department is planning a community education campaign, engaging community champions, and continuing to operate its vaccination clinic. The ultimate aim is to address misinformation and hesitancy about the vaccine in these communities. More information about the grant program and other recipients is available from the Wisconsin DHS.

Why is equity so important in the vaccination efforts?

The Wauwatosa Health Department is committed to advancing health equity and to the ideal that everyone has the right to live full and healthy lives. According to the CDC and DHS, the pandemic has highlighted health inequities in Wisconsin and elsewhere. Many racial and ethnic minority groups have suffered an increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. Ending the pandemic is a primary goal of health authorities, and ensuring equitable access to information and vaccines benefits all members of the community. The vaccines, which have been shown to be safe and highly effective, are one of the most important tools to help end the pandemic.

What is the Health Department already doing to make vaccines accessible?

The Wauwatosa Health Department is working with local and state partners to vaccinate everyone in our community and holds a vaccine clinic at the Wauwatosa City Hall, 7725 W. North Ave. As of April 5, everyone in Wisconsin ages 16 and older are eligible to be vaccinated at no cost. Certain groups, such as older adults, certain front-line workers, and individuals with underlying health conditions, are prioritized. Learn more about the Wauwatosa Health Department’s vaccine clinic and schedule your appointment online.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call our hotline at 414-475-1050.

This press release was produced by the City of Wauwatosa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.