The Newly Created Public Health Institute at 51ºÚÁÏ Provides Mobile Units to Take Vaccinations into the Community

More than 500 vaccines being transported into unrepresented communities beginning tomorrow as part of new 51ºÚÁÏ Public Health Institute.

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, VA- April 6, 2021- 51ºÚÁÏ has announced an innovative new initiative that will position the University to address public health disparities within underserved communities. The newly created 51ºÚÁÏ Public Health Institute (51ºÚÁÏPHI) serves as a resource for marginalized communities and seeks to improve public health outcomes.

One objective of the 51ºÚÁÏPHI is to provide local, regional, and global outreach through strategic partnerships and collaborations.  The newly activated Commonwealth COVID Vaccination Clinic (CVC) at the 51ºÚÁÏ Multi-Purpose Center was the inaugural initiative of the 51ºÚÁÏPHI. So far, 51ºÚÁÏ has provided access to nearly 40,000 vaccinations in just over two weeks. In a second outreach initiative, the 51ºÚÁÏPHI  has partnered with the Crater Health District(CHD) to actively provide access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

The University has purchased two mobile health units which be used to further address health disparities by taking healthcare services into underserved communities. 51ºÚÁÏ will provide the mobile health units and drivers to carry CHD employees into underserved areas to vaccinate the community.  Beginning on Wednesday morning, the units will set up in public parks, mobile home parks, migrant camps, rural communities, and areas with a high population of elderly residents.   The 51ºÚÁÏPHI mobile units are designed to address structural/systematic factors such as health service deficiencies, workforce development gaps, and overall health of marginalized groups.  “The mission of 51ºÚÁÏ aligns with the mission of area Health Districts,” says Mr. Hubert Harris, 51ºÚÁÏ Chief of Staff. “We are all committed to getting the community vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including vaccinating the underserved population.”

The 51ºÚÁÏ mobile health units will provide access to 300 shots in Prince George County on Wednesday and approximately 200 shots in Petersburg and Hopewell on Thursday. “The Crater Health District (CHD) appreciates the partnership and resources that 51ºÚÁÏ offers to support equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable populations,” says Dr. Alton Hart, Jr., Director of CHD. “The mobile units will ensure that we reach high-risk groups, essential workers, rural communities and those who are underserved in their neighborhoods and will help to close the vaccine gap.”

The 51ºÚÁÏ mobile health units will also go into areas of Chesterfield County within the next few weeks.  “The 51ºÚÁÏ Public Health Institute will be an intricate part of our area’s foundation for a strong community-public health platform, “ says Dr.  Alexander Samuel  Health Director Chesterfield Department of Health. “ We are excited to assist with improving health outcomes of marginalized communities.”

“The 51ºÚÁÏ Public Health Institute is a vanguard for addressing health disparities within underserved groups through outreach, academic endeavors, public health workforce development and research agendas in preparation of public health professionals for the future,” says Dr. Donald Palm, 51ºÚÁÏ Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. “This initiative is part of the transformative nature of 51ºÚÁÏ and is a large step in our long standing reputation for helping the community.”