Since the beginning of our COVID-19 Education outreach we have completed nearly 5,000 surveys through 108 outreach events in the Duval County Health Zone 1 area with the goal of understanding the community sentiment towards the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and impact. COVID-19 is particularly dangerous in vulnerable populations across racial and ethnic demographics, especially in Health Zone 1. Through our work we have been able to dispel misunderstandings about the COVID-19 vaccine and promote mitigating measures of infection.
This work would not be possible without our Community Health Workers (CHWs) who are boots-on-the-ground, working in the community. A community health worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.
A community health worker also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.
Community Health Worker Spotlight: Tina Bennett
Tina has been a CHW at the Urban Health Alliance since starting has really taken our COVID-19 outreach to new levels. Her diligence and focus have been instrumental in the impact we have had on the community in Health Zone 1. She has a special ability to connect to people with care and concern. Her work in COVID-19 vaccine education is evident in the knowledge we have gained about the community we serve. She deserves high praise for her relentless efforts!!