Alliance has a commitment to the health, safety, and wellbeing of those within their community. Shortly after establishing the organization in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affects refugee and immigrant communities, the organization implemented a vaccine outreach program. The goal of the program was to provide vaccines for community members to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while also providing education and awareness on the pandemic.

The Congolese community of Grand Rapids has an annual Thanksgiving community church event where many community members gather to celebrate with food and fellowship. Alliance selected this time and location to provide an on-site, free COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic for their community members.

The organization’s leaders were made aware of the presence of some questions and concerns about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine from community members. As a response, they partnered with Cherry Health, local health professionals, to present further information regarding common misconceptions and concerns over receiving the vaccine during the annual community gathering. Interpretation was provided.

Following the panel, Alliance, with the help of community translators, assisted interested individuals with completing required paperwork to become patients of Cherry Health and receive a COVID-19 and/or flu vaccine. Over 70 individuals within the community received a vaccine shot as a result!

Many of those vaccinated and in attendance at the event completed evaluations about the usefulness of the panel, a question and answer table run by Alliance members about the vaccines, and whether it was important for people in the community to receive medical information from members of their community. Alliance received 72 evaluation responses.

60% or higher agreed they gained knowledge at the event.

A vast majority of responses indicated a preference for receiving medical knowledge from members of their community.

As a result of the immense success from this vaccine program, Alliance will continue to offer vaccine programs, with the help of Cherry Health, to community members. Updates regarding location and time will be posted to Alliance’s social media once confirmed.

For more information on COVID-19 and available vaccines, click the button below.