Engaging communities in the response to the H1N1 and seasonal influenza: A promising model for reaching vulnerable populations

Background: Well-known disparities in seasonal influenza highlight the importance of reaching vulnerable and minority populations during a pandemic response and annual seasonal influenza prevention. We describe a model for working with community and faith-based organizations to reach vulnerable populations. Methods: Ten sites were selected based on their ability to reach vulnerable populations. Sites included: Chicago; Colorado Springs; Detroit; Los Angeles; Lowell, MA; Memphis; Minnesota; Schuylkill County, PA; Brooklyn; and St. Louis. Sites received a small grant, an initial training, technical assistance conference calls and updated H1N1 and influenza information on a regular basis. Sites focused on assuring access to prevention information and services for those beyond the reach of public health – uninsured, low income minorities, immigrants, refugees, homeless, and migrant farm workers. Results: From October 2009-April 2010, nine sites conducted outreach through community and faith-based networks comprised of 4606 organizations. A number of the sites worked with local health departments or healthcare systems to host vaccination clinics or supply volunteers. One site, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, contributed large numbers of volunteers to events in Los Angeles that provided 72,838 vaccinations during the fall of 2009. From October through December 2010, aggregate accomplishments reported by all ten sites include: 1,430 attendants in educational sessions; 100 non-traditional vaccination site events vaccinating at least 4,637 individuals; and 94 volunteers trained to assist with vaccine clinics, conduct outreach and evaluation interviews. Conclusions: A comprehensive evaluation is being conducted during the spring of 2011 and will be reported on in this session.