September 7, 2021
Media Contact:
Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536
Charles Gischlar, Deputy Director, Media Relations, 410-767-6491
Maryland Department of Health launches grassroots community canvassing program to engage unvaccinated Marylanders
$3 million community-based grant program funds door-to-door outreach to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and to provide health education in at-risk neighborhoods
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced the launch of the Community COVID-19 Vaccination Project, a community-based, door-to-door canvassing effort to directly engage Marylanders living in areas with low vaccination rates. Canvassing will begin in mid-September and will continue through June 2022.
“We have made tremendous progress in vaccinating Marylanders against COVID-19, yet we understand that some unvaccinated residents still need more information," said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “By going door-to-door and sharing information, we can help more Marylanders make an informed decision about getting vaccinated as we continue our efforts to ensure there is no arm left behind."
Funded through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cooperative agreement, the Community COVID-19 Vaccination Project supports broad-based vaccine distribution to ensure greater vaccine equity and access to those disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
MDH's Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD) has awarded $2 million to 20 community-based organizations to provide hard-to-reach Marylanders with enhanced access to vaccines, testing and health education resources.
Canvassers will conduct door-to-door visits in areas identified through ZIP code analysis as having low vaccination uptake and will provide information on local vaccination locations and testing. MDH conducted training with participating community organizations, including lessons on COVID-related medical terminology and translation, cultural competency and personal safety.
“We're urging everyone in these most vulnerable communities to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated," said MHHD Deputy Director Dr. Mark Martin. “These door-to-door efforts are important in generating awareness, addressing vaccine hesitancy through education and saving lives."
A list of grantees who have accepted awards to date is available from MHHD.
For more information about COVID-19 in Maryland visit covidLINK.maryland.gov.
For the most recent Maryland COVID-19 data, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/MDHealthDept and https://www.facebook.com/MDHealthDept.
