Community Groups Unite to Expand Vaccine Access

By forging a number of fruitful community partnerships, The Illinois Public Health Association’ (IPHA) was able to hold a number of vaccine clinics this year. One of these was held in partnership with the Illinois Migrant Council at the Church of the Nazarene/Iglesia del Nazareno in Effingham, Illinois. This clinic resulted in 28 vaccinations, a success in an area where vaccination rates had lagged. The IPHA later worked with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Springfield branch to build relationships with their health department, local hospital, and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This collaboration led to expanded access to vaccinations by extending clinic hours to evenings and weekends.