The Long Beach Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) has been selected as one of only three local health departments, among others across the nation, to be awarded $100,000 to address vaccine hesitancy. In partnership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), who also provided funding for the project, the Health Department will receive training, technical assistance and other resources to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, build partnerships with local organizations, and identify areas of need to improve vaccine confidence and uptake.
“Securing this funding will allow the Health Department to continue serving our city at a greater capacity,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The efforts funded by this award will help us develop new tools and approaches to address health disparities in our communities.”
One of the first initiatives tied to this grant is focused on gaining insight into the feelings, attitudes and belief systems that influence health outcomes among Long Beach residents through a survey called Vaccine Community Health Assessment.
The Health Department is working with trusted community-based organizations to help collect valuable data that will allow for a better understanding of vaccine hesitancy surrounding routine immunizations, including COVID-19. This anonymous online survey, which takes about five minutes to complete, is open to all community members, regardless of their vaccination status and is available in multiple languages. The data collected will help drive actionable strategies and implement new community interventions to increase vaccination rates across the city.
“We strongly encourage all community members to participate in this important survey,” said Health Department Director Kelly Colopy. “Your responses will help inform efforts to improve access to vaccines and address hesitancies.”
This Health Department is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all community members through the promotion of health and disease prevention, the provision of quality health services and the protection of the public’s health.
For more information on the Vaccine Community Health Assessment or to participate, please visit longbeach.gov/vaccinesurvey.