CHICAGO Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is kicking off a summer-long COVID-19 vaccine awareness campaign with two virtual Community Conversations on June 17 and June 24 (Spanish language event), and launching volunteer door-to-door and phone banking efforts throughout the summer. The Community Conversations aim to reach the Black and Latinix communities directly, dispel myths about vaccines, address health disparities, and discuss how we can make sure everyone, including immigrants, have access to the vaccine. The virtual events are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
"COVID-19 has further exposed the deeply entrenched disparities in our health care system. As one of the state's most trusted health care providers, it is important we are a vocal partner in the fight against coronavirus," said Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of PPIA. "Black and Brown communities have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. We want to address the misinformation, by providing accurate and updated education, so that everyone will have facts to fully inform their vaccination decision."
On Thursday, June 17, at 6 p.m., PPIA's Black Organizing Program is hosting a panel event to discuss vaccine concerns and hesitancy in the Black community. Panel members include: Karen Freeman-Wilson, President & CEO, Chicago Urban League; and Lauri Sanders, Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Public Health. PPIA Chief External Affairs Officer, Paula Thornton Greear, is moderating the event and Welch is providing closing remarks. This virtual event is open to the public and advance registration is required at bit.ly/CommunityConvoIllinois.
On Thursday, June 24, at 6 p.m., PPIA's Riaz Program is hosting its first Spanish-language event to address vaccine efforts in Aurora and increase vaccine awareness in the Latinx community. Panel members include: Lluvia Quinones, Health Policy Director, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; and representatives from the Kane County Health Department and VNA Health Care Aurora. PPIA Riaz Program Manager Giselle Gonzalez is moderating the event. This virtual event is open to the public and advance registration is required at bit.ly/CommunityConvoLatinx.
Also starting this month, PPIA volunteers are expanding vaccine education efforts by knocking on doors to distribute information in key communities across the state. PPIA is hosting several phone and text banking opportunities for supporters throughout the summer, as well. To take part in this outreach effort, visit bit.ly/PPIAVolunteer.
Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, 501(c)4 not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. PPIA engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy on behalf of commonsense policies that protect and foster the sexual and reproductive health and rights of individuals, families, and communities.