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Connie Sowa

Request for Proposals: COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination in BIPOC Communities

The CDC Foundation and CHOICE/CPAA will begin accepting proposals from agencies and organizations in our region to promote COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in communities of color within our region.


Introduction

Since its inception in 1995, CHOICE Regional Health Network (CHOICE) has been in the forefront of advancing the provision of and access to affordable and quality health care across Central Western Washington. It has implemented a range of projects and programs spanning several aspects of the healthcare spectrum in seven counties. In 2017, CHOICE established the Cascade Pacific Action Alliance (CPAA) as an Accountable Community of Health (ACH) to build and support the Washington Health Care Authority’s 1115 5-Year Waiver implementing Medicaid Transformation Projects (MTP). This work is done in partnership with different partners including local government health departments, regional hospitals, behavioral health agencies, school districts and a host of community-based organizations.


The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating in our region. CHOICE/CPAA has responded to the challenge by deploying its resources and making significant changes to way it implements its programs. As a trusted community organization with a significant footprint and a history of making a difference, the CDC Foundation, under Grant No. NH23IP922652-02-00 issued by the Department of Health and Human Services , has selected CHOICE to participate as a subrecipient in Year 2 of Partnering for Vaccine Equity (P4VE).


Purpose of the Request for Proposal

Accordingly, CHOICE/CPAA is seeking to create partnerships with local organizations with the view of establishing, expanding, and sustaining a public health workforce to prevent, prepare for, and respond to rising cases of and recovery from COVID-19 and Influenza. This includes mobilizing community outreach workers, which includes community health workers, patient navigators, and social support specialists, to educate and assist individuals in accessing and receiving COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccinations. CHOICE along with its partners will conduct, where possible, face-to-face outreach with community members to educate them about the vaccines. Activities include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals in making a vaccine appointment, providing resources to find convenient vaccine locations, and assisting individuals with transportation or other needs to get to a vaccination site. Additionally, we seek to address persistent health disparities by offering support and resources to vulnerable and medically underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals living in areas of high social vulnerability.


CHOICE/CPAA is continuing to sustain, expand and accelerate efforts to promote the uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines among the communities of color across seven rural counties in Washington State. We propose using the tested and proven trusted messenger/influential messengers’ approach, leveraging mainstream and social media platforms, developing ties and partnerships with stakeholders, and actively organizing and facilitating vaccine clinics, and events to understand, and address vaccination hesitancy, resistance, and misinformation. Data is important. Our work is evidence-based. We strive to continue working with government partners, community and faith-based organizations, and tribal nation partners in the development and sharing of culturally relevant messages. We will document success stories and utilize fully the learning- and experience-sharing platforms of the CDC Foundation.


Applicant Criteria

CHOICE/CPAA wishes to invite agencies and organizations operating in the seven counties of Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Thurston, and Wahkiakum to apply for a grant up to $18,400 for activities supporting the promotion of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination among BIPOC and rural communities within our region. A total of 2 partners will be selected to participate in this 10.5-month project. Organizations may only submit one application per organization (as defined by EIN). Successful applicants may use these funds to implement activities related to the approved strategies including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Target BIPOC community leaders within the aforementioned region to be trusted messengers and provide resources for them to share within their communities

  • Conduct face-to-face outreach to community members to educate them about the vaccine, assisting individuals in making a vaccine appointment, providing resources to find convenient vaccine locations, assisting individuals with transportation and/or other needs to get to a vaccination site

  • Distribute flyers, posters, packages to trusted messengers and community regarding the COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations

  • Address persistent health disparities by offering support and resources to vulnerable and medically underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals living in areas of high social vulnerability.

  • CHOICE/CPAA will provide materials and resources for community outreach, and communication on social media or with trusted partners/messengers.

  • CHOICE/CPAA will also provide or coordinate a vaccine administrator for vaccination events. Transportation may be available to events via a 14-passenger, wheel-chair accessible van recently purchased by CHOICE/CPAA.

Grant Award

Eligible agencies and organizations are invited to apply for up to $18,400. Final award will commence as follows:

  • $1,600 will be distributed upon receiving a fully-executed contract.

  • Monthly payments will be released on the 5th of every month after reports are reviewed and approved.

  • First payment for work performed June 21st through June 30th will be $800, then $1,600 will be paid monthly from July 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023.


Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to complete the application below and submit their responses to info@crhn.org no later than Friday, June 10, 2022 by end of day. Late submissions will not be considered. Awardees will be notified by end of day on June 15, 2022. Contracts will be issued and work should begin on June 21, 2022.



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