Immunize Colorado (IC) is pleased to announce a new grant in the amount of $150,000 from Colorado Access to fund a one-year project that will increase immunization access and education – and in turn improve vaccination rates – for underserved communities in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, and Elbert counties.
Specifically, the grant will support Immunize Colorado’s efforts to deliver at least 2,700 routine and respiratory virus vaccines to refugee and immigrant, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), older adult, unhoused, rural, and LGBTQIA+ communities in these counties, with a focus on Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members or those who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible. There is a well-documented need for vaccines in these areas; only 41.6% of children in Colorado Access Region 5 (Denver) and 43.4% in Region 3 (Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert counties) are fully up to date with childhood vaccines. Immunize Colorado will utilize its Trusted Messenger Program to plan clinics and community events at which vaccines will be offered. IC’s Trusted Messenger Program mobilizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated experience working with and serving these populations to promote immunization and increase vaccine confidence. Since 2021, the program has provided over 5,000 vaccines at 88 clinics across Colorado.
Additionally, grant funds will support efforts to increase immunization awareness and knowledge for this population through direct education at vaccine clinics, community events, and webinars, and through the creation of tailored educational materials. IC will also host at least one educational webinar for Health First Colorado providers to increase their knowledge about best practices to promote vaccines.
“We know that meeting people where they are and facilitating vaccine conversations between the community and those that they trust most are strategies that work incredibly well to expand access and increase immunization rates,” said Susan Lontine, executive director of Immunize Colorado. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the impact of our Trusted Messenger Program and improve rates for folks who are too often left behind by the healthcare system. I know we can make great strides over the next year to make sure they’re protected from preventable diseases.”
“We need to take the time to understand a community and why they may be hesitant about vaccinations,” said Bill Wright, MD, chief medical officer at Colorado Access. “In addition to cultural reasons for distrust and concerns, many people also have financial barriers, lack of transportation, no internet access, or fear that symptoms from the vaccine may cause them to miss work.”
About Immunize Colorado
Immunize Colorado is a statewide, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Its mission is to protect Colorado families, schools and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. To learn more, visit www.immunizecolorado.org and connect with Immunize Colorado on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
About Colorado Access
As the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in the state, Colorado Access is a nonprofit organization that works beyond just navigating health services. The company focuses on meeting members’ unique needs by partnering with providers and community organizations to provide better personalized care through measurable results. Their broad and deep view of regional and local systems allows them to stay focused on members’ care while collaborating on measurable and economically sustainable systems that serve them better. Learn more at http://coaccess.com.
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