DHS Investing $6.1 Million to Promote Equity in COVID-19 Vaccine Program

Grant program will leverage community partnerships

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced a $6.1 million investment to support community-based organizations in raising awareness and access to COVID-19 vaccine among communities that have faced both historical and current barriers to healthcare services and the COVID-19 vaccine. $3.1 million of the investment will fund efforts to activate organizations to serve as trusted messengers to build vaccine confidence and reduce barriers that may impede vaccinations in urban and rural areas. The remaining $3 million will supplement current vaccine equity work being done by Federally Qualified Health Centers, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Family Health La Clinica, Minority Health Grantees, and United Way of Wisconsin 2-1-1.

“In just two months, we have vaccinated almost one million Wisconsinites with their first dose of the vaccine,” said Governor Tony Evers. “We need to continue our efforts and outreach to make sure to get as many Wisconsinites protected from COVID-19 as possible. By investing in trusted organizations to engage in strategic outreach, coordination, and vaccine education for racially and geographically diverse populations, we are better able to protect our communities that have been hit hardest by COVID-19.”

View the entire news release.