Here’s a look at how Hospital Council’s RVPs have been working on behalf of hospitals over the past few weeks.
On March 4, RVP Brian Jensen convened an initial meeting with Sacramento County Public Health Officer Olivia Kasirye, MD, and the members of Sacramentans Advocating for Vaccine Equity (SAVE). The group consists of Black community leaders seeking help from the county and health systems to address the disproportionately low vaccination rate among African Americans.
It was an opportunity for them to be heard, understand some of the logistical problems hindering all vaccination efforts (the lack of vaccine), and offer assistance in identifying vaccination sites and partnerships to target those who need it most. Importantly, they offered themselves as a communication conduit for hard-to-reach members of their community. Dr. Kasirye gave a lot of credit to the health systems as a group for their efforts so far and plans moving forward.
SAVE supports the county’s plan to stand up the Health Equity Task Force. Their members will help represent an African American Advisory Subcommittee of that task force. The projected lack of vaccine supplies for the next week will allow time to better organize equity efforts.