The Allegheny County Health Department has teamed up with local and national partners to address disparities in African-American communities. The REACH program, a CDC-funded initiative, aims to achieve health equity and prevent chronic disease. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, the coalition’s work has expanded to include not only health screenings but also vaccination clinics. 

 

Many social, geographic, political, economic, and environmental factors can create challenges to vaccination access. According to the CDC, people from racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by a lack of access to quality health care or health insurance. Because of these challenges, some people are less likely to be vaccinated. 

Since Black and Brown people are diagnosed and dying at higher rates than their white counterparts, and getting vaccinated at lower rates, the coalition hopes to achieve health equity in targeted areas throughout the Pittsburgh area. Vaccination clinics in Black communities are vital and essential to overall health and wellness.  

H3C, Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ, Just Harvest, and Allegheny County Health Department will hold a clinic on Wednesday, November 17 from 2-6 p.m. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, annual influenza vaccines and shingles vaccines will be administered.  The first 20 registered appointments will receive a $25 Giant Eagle gift card, amongst other gifts.  The clinic is located at the Hamilton House, 7403 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Call 412-376-7118 to schedule an appointment or transportation.