The Institute for Family Health Receives CDC Funding to Expand Flu Vaccination Efforts in the Bronx

Bronx, NY (October 1, 2020) – The Institute for Family Health was awarded $198,000 in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand access to the seasonal flu vaccination in the Bronx. This funding will enable the Institute’s Bronx Health REACH program to collaborate with community partners in the Bronx to create expanded opportunities for Bronx residents to learn about and get the yearly flu vaccine.

As flu season approaches and New York prepares for a possible second wave of COVID-19 infections, it is critically important that Bronx residents have ready access to the flu vaccine and related education and support. Preventing widespread flu outbreaks will not only help individuals and communities stay healthy, but will also reduce the need for hospital services, thereby preserving hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients. Many Bronx residents face systemic barriers to public health information and resources, and the Bronx saw some of the highest COVID-19 infection rates in New York City.

“The 80+ community organizations that form the Bronx Health REACH Coalition have unparalleled insight about how to best promote good health in the Bronx,” said Charmaine Ruddock, director of Bronx Health REACH. “We look forward to leveraging their expertise to make sure that flu vaccine education and services are fully accessible to Bronx residents.”

Through Bronx Health REACH’s extensive network of faith-based and community leaders, the Institute will organize events to promote flu vaccination education and distribute the CDC’s seasonal flu messaging at key locations. In addition, the funding will allow the Institute to host “pop-up” flu vaccine clinics at its Bronx health centers, to increase the number of people who can access flu vaccine at Institute sites.

Since 1999, Bronx Health REACH has worked to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes in Bronx communities. The Coalition now consists of over 80 community-based organizations, health care providers, faith-based institutions, and housing and social service agencies.  Bronx Health REACH is led by the Institute for Family Health, a federally qualified health center network in New York City and the Hudson Valley that offers top-quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

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The Institute for Family Health (www.institute.org) is a federally qualified health center network in New York State serving 115,000 patients annually.  Services are available to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay.