Better Health Supports Academic Achievement
The California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) brings together educational policy leaders to help boost the academic performance of African-American students throughout the state. As part of its sweeping mission, CAAASA partners with school districts in target areas to implement “Community Health and Wellness Events” that provide wrap-around health outreach services like COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, health screenings as well as free groceries and clothing giveaways. In the fall of 2022, a series of these successful monthly wellness events included a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, and a Trick-or-Treat Costume Giveaway that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass attended. Each event drew between 700-1000 attendees and resulted in close to 600 school-aged kids receiving vaccines.
To read more about CAAASA's work to promote vaccination, see this Story on the Vaccine Resource Hub: Powerful Speech at Vaccine Hesitancy Panel Draws Standing Ovation.