Waltham’s African Cultural Services To Receive Vaccine Equity Funding

WALTHAM, MA — African Cultural Services, Inc. in Waltham will receive state funding as part of the Massachusetts Vaccine Equity Initiative to support organizations working in communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with Health Resources in Action (HRiA), the Baker-Polito Administration announced on Wednesday an additional $7 million to increase awareness and access to the COVID-19 vaccine and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. Seventy-two community- and faith-based organizations, including African Cultural Services, will receive a total of $5.9 million, with each grant totaling $38,500 to $125,000.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have turned to trusted community-based organizations who know their communities best,” Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke said in a statement. “They continue to tap their knowledge and relationships to expand and support our Vaccine Equity Initiative by addressing the unique health equity needs of the populations they serve – needs that continue to be exacerbated by COVID-19.”

These grants are part of the Administration’s investments of over $58 million to promote vaccine access and confidence, primarily in communities of color. They are the result of budget appropriations from the Massachusetts Legislature.

The organizations will provide culturally appropriate outreach and education on COVID-19 vaccination and mitigation and will host and promote vaccine clinics for priority populations most impacted by COVID-19. Funded organizations will engage families and children for pediatric vaccinations and boosters.

HRiA will also engage in a new partnership with Health Care for All (HCFA), which received close to $1 million of the new funding for outreach efforts in communities most impacted by COVID-19. This amount includes $415,000 to fund seven additional community- and faith-based organizations.

For a full list of award recipients, click here.