A project to make COVID-19 vaccines more available and address vaccine hesitancy in Black and Brown communities turned out to be the tipping point to developing an ongoing partnership in central New York State.

During the pandemic the Rome NAACP, Mohawk Valley Health System, and The Center of Utica in the Mohawk Valley (The Center) partnered with churches—influential institutions in Black and Brown communities—to serve a healthy meal after Sunday services where they presented information, addressed questions, and administered vaccines. Buy-in from pastors increased trust, leading to many people getting vaccinated.

The vaccine initiative’s success led the coalition to expand. It now includes community advocates Rome NAACP, Alzheimer’s Association, and The Center, as well as healthcare organizations Rome Health and Mohawk Valley Health System. Health insurers Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Fidelis Care also participate, along with county representatives.

The partners meet weekly to plan community engagement work. They host events at more than 20 churches providing health education and screenings, assistance signing up for insurance, making appointments, and coordinating interrupter services.

“The Healthy Heart Church Tour started because we knew how important it was to meet people where they are, and to look like the people we’re serving. We couldn’t do it without our partners. It takes funding, grants, volunteers, trust, and more to be able to present something like The Healthy Heart Church Tour,” said Jacqueline Nelson, president of Rome NAACP.