BCBS Massachusetts’ new collaboration to reduce vaccination disparities

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts has launched a collaboration with Equity Now & Beyond, a collaborative of five immigrant-led groups, to hold vaccination clinics and deliver educational outreach in immigrant communities around the state. Throughout the summer and fall, the groups will collaborate to reduce inequalities in vaccination coverage.

1. Effective partnership: Blue Cross’ investment will allow Equity Now & Beyond to scale its COVID-19 vaccine education programs by increasing staff and launching new communication tools to reach those who are hesitant about vaccination. The funding will also help enhance the local clinics and create an inviting space for immigrant communities by featuring cultural music and food and providing other resources including assistance with obtaining health insurance, information on tenant and worker rights and immigration counseling.
2. Accessible environment: “Many of Boston’s African, Haitian, and other Caribbean Black immigrants have particular doubts and skepticisms of the vaccine and medical establishment,” said Kevin Whalen, Co-Director of Center to Support Immigrant Organizing and Coordinator of Equity Now & Beyond. “Our goal is to provide education on the COVID-19 vaccine and create an accessible environment where these communities feel safe and don’t fear retribution because of their immigrant or socioeconomic status.”
3. Health disparities: “COVID-19 highlighted the longstanding inequities in health care,” said Jeff Bellows, Blue Cross’ vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs. “At Blue Cross, we are committed to addressing health disparities both within our membership and the broader community. We are proud to support the grassroots efforts of Equity Now & Beyond to help promote the COVID-19 vaccines and support Massachusetts’s immigrant communities.”
4. Community centers: With financial support from Blue Cross, Equity Now & Beyond is hosting more than 20 vaccine clinics at local churches, schools, and community centers across the state including Mattapan, Dorchester, Lynn, Brighton, Waltham, Brockton, and Worcester.
5. Groups: The clinics, staffed by physicians from local hospitals and community health centers are organized and operated by Equity Now & Beyond’s immigrant-led groups including African Community Economic Development of New England, Haitian Americans United (HAU), Brazilian Women’s Group, Agencia ALPHA, and the Center to Support Immigrant Organizing. In addition to the managing the clinics, volunteers from these groups help address potential barriers to vaccination among immigrant communities.