Media Contacts: Adam Abadir: 301-221-1908; adam.abadir@baltimorecity.gov

Baltimore, MD (Thursday, May 27, 2021). The Baltimore City Health Department and Civic Works Inc. today announced a request for proposals for community organizations and community leaders working in Baltimore City interested in setting up vaccination clinics and performing vaccine education for VALUE communities. VALUE (Vaccine Acceptance & Access Lives in Unity, Education & Engagement) Communities, defined by the Baltimore City Health Department, include older adults, Latinx community members, individuals experiencing homelessness, Orthodox Jewish community members, young men, pregnant and lactating women, immigrants, pediatric populations, faith, and people with disabilities.

“Slow and steady will not win the race when it comes to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in Baltimore. Though the finish line is in sight, now is the time to continue working together to increase vaccination outreach across Baltimore” said Mayor Brandon Scott. “This effort between Baltimore City Health Department and Civic Works is a great example of the collaboration required to tackle COVID-19 and distribute vaccinations to communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.”

The purpose of the small community grants program is to provide additional financial support to community organizations and community leaders who are facilitating COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other COVID-19 vaccination outreach and education efforts. Applicants can apply for small grants ranging in amounts from $500 up to $5,000. The total amount of the small community grants program will be $250,000

“Reaching our vaccine benchmarks of 65% of all adults with a first or single dose as soon as possible, and reaching 80% of all residents by February 2022, requires a Citywide, all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa. “Being able to support the work of local community organizations to encourage residents to get vaccinated will help us reach our goals and save lives in the process”.

Felicia Gross-Bellamy, COVAX Outreach Program Manager at Civic Works added, "At Civic Works' Elder Services, we are mission-driven to keep Baltimore's most vulnerable populations safe and healthy and have experienced firsthand the challenges older adults face at the intersection of health and housing. Through ongoing outreach and education in partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department, our team hopes to remove barriers to vaccination by activating dedicated groups and leaders invested in the health and well-being of their communities."

For more information, and to apply for a small community grant, visit http://civicworks.com/covaxsmallgrants/ or email COVAXoutreach@civicworks.com

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