Since COVID-19 vaccinations first became available, FPHNYC has been at the forefront of the City of New York’s commitment to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccinations and boost vaccine confidence. Central to this work has been supporting the efforts of the Health Department and community-based organizations to increase the presence of community health workers (CHWs) in communities.

In the following article, Healthbeat New York’s Eliza Fawcett discusses how CHWs helped increase vaccine uptake in communities around NYC. We thank Healthbeat New York for allowing us to republish the article on our blog.

This story was originally published by Healthbeat. Sign up for their public health newsletters at healthbeat.org/newsletters

Community health workers increased Covid-19 vaccination in NYC, a new study finds. Here’s why their efforts worked.

Jun 6, 2025 at 12:47pm EDT By Eliza Fawcett, Healthbeat New York

Public health, explained: Sign up to receive Healthbeat’s free New York City newsletter here.

In the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, community health workers played a significant role in increasing vaccine uptake in hard-to-reach New York City communities, a new study has found.

Community health workers are public health workers with close connections to the communities they serve, and often act as intermediaries between local residents and health systems or social services. Across the country, many regions invested in community health worker initiatives as part of pandemic response efforts. But the workforce is particularly vulnerable to public health’s boom and bust funding cycle.

Quantifying the impact of community health workers who don’t work in clinical settings has long been challenging, said Dr. Maureen Miller, an epidemiologist and contractor with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. But the data that emerged from the pandemic — and the Health Department’s significant investment in community health workers — offered an unusual opportunity to show their value, she said.

In the study, recently published in the American Journal of Public Health, Miller and other researchers affiliated with the Health Department found that community health workers, in partnership with the agency and community-based organizations, helped drive sharp increases in vaccination levels among local residents.

In 75 ZIP codes targeted for public health interventions, residents were primarily Black and Latino — demographics that had experienced disproportionately high mortality rates in the early weeks of the pandemic. At the beginning of the initiative in July 2021, 44% of all residents had completed their primary series Covid-19 vaccination. By June 2022, vaccine uptake rose to 76%. The majority of those communities received high levels of engagement from community health workers, defined as interactions during at least 11 months of the year.

Over the course of that year, community health workers also provided vaccination information to local residents more than 18 million times and participated in more than 22,000 outreach events, according to the study. They made 800,000 linkages to Covid-19 vaccination appointments, created more than 200,000 referrals to testing sites, distributed 17 million face masks and handed out 73,000 at-home antigen tests. They also helped residents tackle other issues, from food insecurity to housing instability.

In an interview this week with Healthbeat, Miller discusses the study, the role of community health workers, and why their approach to community engagement proved so effective. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Take us back to where New York City was in the pandemic when this project began. What motivated this research?

I was hired just as [the Covid-19 variant] Omicron was taking off, as were all of my colleagues. It was a very crazy period in the pandemic. Although vaccines were increasingly available, they were kind of challenging to get in New York City. You had to make appointments through computers and online. Not everyone knows how to operate that, not everybody has access to that, and we were also in the communities that had been left behind already by vaccines, by treatments. People had already died.

The statistics are astounding: Almost half of the people who died in the pandemic in New York City died in the first month or two. That’s staggering, and I think we’ve swept that loss under the rug because it’s enormous. It has affected all of us.

Against that background, people were mistrustful. They said, ‘You want us to take this vaccine now, we don’t understand it. We hear bad things about it.’ There was already a great deal of misinformation and skepticism on the part of community members that we were working with. So the idea was not, as the city Department of Health, to go in and say, ‘Get vaccinated.’ It was to partner with community-based organizations who hire people who are centered in the community. We provided funding for the community-based organizations to hire community health workers who we would help train and keep updated on all the new variants, the new vaccines, the boosters.

The community health workers and the community-based organizations developed a lot of their own methods of interacting with the community. We would provide the information, but they would make up songs and get them on the local radio, they’d have flyers. They would do videos and put them on social media. We had biweekly meetings with community members and with community-based organizations. We had a series of trainings for community health workers. It was probably the largest effort that the New York City Department of Health has ever made to integrate community with government in the city.

How did you set up this study?

One of the reasons that community-based community health workers get no respect is because it’s been extremely difficult to find a database that shows the impact of population-level change. We wanted to change entire communities, not just one person at a time. We didn’t interact with every single person in the community, yet our impact was felt, as evidenced by the huge increase in vaccine uptake over time.

We had an outcome: how many people had received the full series of vaccinations. We had that data, and it was collected on a weekly basis for everyone who became vaccinated. I can’t even tell you how unusual that is in the world of public health — but so is a pandemic. This provided a unique opportunity to look at the outcomes and then to see how our work with the community was impacting our objective, which was vaccine uptake.

We didn’t interact with every single person in the community, yet our impact was felt, as evidenced by the huge increase in vaccine uptake over time.

– Dr. Maureen Miller

The contracts were based on X number of outreach engagements, X number of handing out materials and documentation. You had to satisfy a minimum set of criteria in terms of engagement that you would then get paid for. That’s unique in my experience, but it was extremely effective, because the community-based organizations wanted to help the community in any way they could. So most of the time they exceeded [the goals].

What were the main findings of your research?

I was shocked — I hadn’t looked at the data until things started to settle down with the pandemic. I wondered: Well, how big of an impact did we have? And we had an enormous impact. I don’t know of vaccine uptake that has happened so quickly for any other disease.

Within one year, from the initiation of the project in July 2021 through June 2022, we had a 30% increase in vaccine uptake in a community that is under-resourced, marginalized, distrustful, and disinvested. People went out and got vaccinated.

One of the projects that we did was a storytelling project. We wanted to know, ‘Why did you get vaccinated? Why are you encouraging others to get vaccinated?’ And it was all about family. It was about, ‘I’m going to protect my family.’ It was about community. In an individualistic society such as ours, it was really heartening to hear that that was a fundamental reason why people were choosing to get vaccinated and to convince others to get vaccinated. Not only were our community health workers acting as advocates for vaccination, eventually so were community members.

How do community health workers’ efforts to help residents with other issues, like food insecurity or housing instability, connect to the broader goal of increasing vaccine uptake?

The Health Department wanted people to get vaccinated right away. And the community came back and said, ‘Listen, my kid doesn’t have diapers. I’m not getting a vaccine before I can get diapers.’ There was such a great deal of need — and there continues to be need — for food, for housing, for money for child care, for elder care. There is just so much need in these communities that they can’t afford to think about the Health Department’s priority of getting people vaccinated and not spreading Covid.

People really wanted help, and they didn’t necessarily want the help that we came in with — to provide vaccines. They wanted help with daily living needs that were not being met, and in fact, were exacerbated by the pandemic. So we started providing referrals. We pulled together a list of organizations where people could go to get food. We partnered with the Department of Homeless Services to provide vaccine information and opportunities to make reservations to get vaccinated, and also to find housing for people. Community-based organizations also corralled their networks of food pantries and other resources so that we could amplify their ability to refer others to these services.

That’s how we build trust. We need to pay attention to what it is you need and want; it’s not only about getting vaccinated. It’s dealing with community priorities to ensure that when we would like to do an important health intervention, we’ve already built up the trust.

Eliza Fawcett is a reporter covering public health in New York City for Healthbeat. Contact Eliza at efawcett@healthbeat.org.

Healthbeat is a nonprofit newsroom covering public health published by Civic News Company and KFF Health News. Sign up for their newsletters here.

The post Community health workers increased Covid-19 vaccination in NYC, a new study finds. Here’s why their efforts worked. appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..

New York City has made significant progress in its recovery from being one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it is important to note that the recovery has not been felt equally by all our city’s residents. Black New Yorkers die on average five years earlier than white New Yorkers. We must address chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, that are the leading causes of death for New Yorkers. 

New York’s elected leaders will have to address these and other public health issues while also contending with significant reductions in federal funding, including potential cuts to Medicaid, disease control, and disaster relief. We encourage you to make supporting public health a core part of your platform. 

As a candidate for office in New York City, protecting the health and safety of millions of New Yorkers may soon be in your hands and will be one of your highest priorities. The Fund for Public Health in NYC is here as a partner and a resource. We will update and share this nonpartisan guide before every city-wide election to help inform candidates about our city’s public health needs and landscape, and to help every New Yorker live their healthiest life.

The post Candidates Must Prioritize Public Health appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..

Dear Gabby,

We are a team of runners in the TCS New York City Marathon representing the Fund for Public Health NYC and we are thrilled that you will be the Grand Marshall for the November 3^rd race! 

Not only are we inspired by your achievements on the track as a five-time Olympic medalist, but we also laude your efforts to address health disparities as well as your advocacy for greater diversity in STEM fields. Having attained a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and working with the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic in Austin, you have brought much-needed attention to expanding access to affordable medical care and related social determinants of health such as access to healthy foods.

We applaud New York Road Runners for asking you to be Grand Marshall of this year’s TCS New York City Marathon and for their initiatives that provide free and inclusive running experiences to improve the health of New Yorkers. The Fund for Public Health NYC and many of the other Official Charity Partners in the November 3 race are working to realize a world where all people equitably share in a culture supportive of healthy living and enjoy optimal health.  This year our team is running to raise awareness of and support for the maternal health services the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides to thousands of New Yorkers. Of particular importance are pilot programs designed to reduce pregnancy-associated death among Black women and birthing people.

Gabby, thank you for inspiring so many people through your passion for running and commitment to public health. With you as Grand Marshal, we are more excited than ever to be a part of this year’s TCS New York City Marathon!

Sincerely,

Team FPHNYC

Alexa, Allie, Brigit, Ciara, Francesco, Jay, Jackie, Megan, Ryan, Sebastian, Shannon,
and Sara Gardner, CEO, Fund for Public Health NYC

The post An Open Letter to a Public Health Champion appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..

In our first blog post, we introduced you to individuals who are not only avid runners but also passionate advocates for the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. Join us on this journey as we shine a spotlight on more of our exceptional runners who are not only chasing personal goals but also striving to raise both funds and awareness for causes that align with FPHNYC’s mission. Get ready to be inspired once again by Team FPHNYC! 

Thomas Nash Thomas Nash is a healthcare professional with a passion for community wellness. Having completed four marathons, he’s no stranger to the challenges of long-distance running. But his motivation for the NYC Marathon goes beyond personal achievement. Thomas is running to support FPHNYC because he believes in their mission to bridge healthcare gaps and provide access to quality care for all, especially vulnerable populations. As a new resident of the city, he’s committed to understanding the community’s health barriers and advocating for organizations that promote wellness. Thomas’s dedication to working in hospital operations makes him a strong advocate for FPHNYC’s mission. 

Andrew Sargent  Living in NYC during the pandemic was a stark reminder of the importance of public health in such a populous city, and Andrew believes these concerns extend beyond global crises. In 2022, Andrew took on the NYC Marathon successfully, representing Success Academy Charter Schools. With a clear focus on expanding his reach and making an even bigger impact, Andrew is determined to raise awareness and funds for FPHNYC’s vital mission, ensuring that public health remains a top priority in the city he calls home. 

Leah Pascarella For Leah Pascarella, running the New York City Marathon is a way of giving back to the city that has been her home for over a decade. With a background in public health, Leah is passionate about addressing the root issues in communities rather than relying on band-aid solutions. This marathon holds deep personal meaning as it follows her journey from studying public health to working with charities like charity: water, Philanthropy New York, and the Lunchbox Fund. Leah is determined to make a meaningful impact, every step of the way. Her commitment to NYC and their belief in the power of public health make her a dedicated advocate for FPHNYC’s mission. 

Seth Hanes  Inspired by a friend’s insights into NYC’s public health challenges, Seth Hanes is thrilled to support FPHNYC, an organization he believes does great work for the city. He was elated to discover it was a fundraising partner for the marathon, providing him with a unique opportunity to race through the world’s greatest city for a cause he cares about. With a background in the non-profit world, including grassroots and multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns, Seth is well-prepared to make a significant impact, ensuring public health remains a top priority in the city he loves. 

With just a few weeks remaining until race day, we cannot help but feel the excitement building. The stories you’ve read and the journeys you’ve embarked upon with our team members show that each step they take is not just a stride toward the finish line but a stride toward a healthier, brighter future for New York City. Stay tuned for our last and final blog post in this series, coming soon! 

Written by Erica Cha

The post Continuing the Journey: Team FPHNYC’s Inspiring Runners appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..

On November 5^th, 2023, just 2 months away, a group of dedicated individuals is lacing up their running shoes and joining team FPHNYC to make a difference that goes far beyond the finish line. Their motivation isn’t solely driven by personal records – it’s fueled by a commitment to raising funds and awareness for causes that align with FPHNYC’s mission to improve the health of all New Yorkers. 

We are thrilled to introduce you to some of the remarkable runners who are running for a purpose in the TSC NYC Marathon. In the following sections, you will learn about our runners’ personal anecdotes that ignite their passion. Through sweat, determination, and unwavering spirit, these individuals are proving that anyone can become a beacon of change, one meaningful step at a time. 

Meet Our Runners

Ethan Kudler

Ethan Kudler has a profound appreciation for raising mental health awareness, shaped by his firsthand observations of its impact on many individuals within his own circle. These personal connections serve as a driving force behind his commitment to effecting tangible change, aligning closely with FPHNYC’s priorities. Ethan, no stranger to marathons or fundraising with his prior involvement in Penn State THON, has consistently raised thousands of dollars for charity over the last four years. Now, he’s prepared to channel that determination and purpose into the upcoming marathon, propelled by the genuine cause that holds a special place in his heart. 

Jessica Houle

With a history of completing five half marathons, Jessica is a dedicated FPHNYC Team member running to mirror her commitment to fortifying public health. Driven by an unwavering belief that public health forms the bedrock of effective healthcare, Jessica has had many experiences and educational pursuits studying Health Policy and Management at Providence College, which taught her about the unearthing insights into the far-reaching impacts of public health, the gaps in knowledge within the US, and the influential role of social determinants in shaping communities. Her passion has led her to a transformative experience studying Healthcare Delivery and Prioritization in Copenhagen, where exposure to strategies for vulnerable populations, safe injection sites, and health protection in prisons underscored the significance of effective public health measures. She is currently a healthcare data analyst at 3M Health Information Systems, where she crafts methodologies to enhance care quality, focusing on the critical integration of public health insights into patient well-being. Jessica’s journey is not just about running a race but about advocating for a cause close to her heart, contributing to FPHNYC’s mission. 

Simona Greenberg

Simona Greenberg is a passionate advocate for embracing a vibrant and wholesome lifestyle. Through her research and education on local and global charities, Simona felt a distinct calling from FPHNYC, aligning her advocacy with the organization’s mission. With an unwavering focus on enhancing the health of her community, she strongly believes that everyone has an equal opportunity to lead healthy lives from the inside out. Simona is also actively engaged in an Instagram community that revolves around plant-based nourishment and culinary artistry, while her network of 350+ women foster candid conversations on all facets of health and wellness. As she laces up her running shoes for FPHNYC, Simona embodies the fusion of advocacy and action, poised to make strides towards a healthier future for all. 

This marks the beginning of a series of blog posts delving into the stories of Team FPHNYC’s runners. Join us on this journey as we uncover the inspiring narratives of passion and purpose driving these individuals. To explore more about the marathon and our dedicated team, visit our general marathon page

By Erica Cha

The post Running with Purpose: Meet the Inspiring Runners of Team FPHNYC appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..

Health literacy is a social determinant of health and essential to advancing health equity. The “Healthy People 2030” initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines health literacy as an issue of both “Personal” and “Organizational” relevance:   

“Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.” 

“Organizational health literacy is the degree to which organizations equitably enable individuals to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.” 

Research has established links between low health literacy, poor medical outcomes, and high rates of hospitalizations. An apple a day will not prevent you from coming down with the flu or lessen how sick you feel if you get it. That’s what a flu shot is for and why public health departments undertake education campaigns urging people to get their annual flu vaccination. In fact, poor health literacy – both individual and organizational – is estimated to cost the U.S. economy more than $200 billion a year. 

Many racial and ethnic minorities and non-native speakers of English often have low proficiency in health literacy, reflecting systemic and structural racism and years of disinvestment in community resources, including public health. The NYC Health Department’s Community-Based Initiatives for Health Literacy and Action Project (CIHLA) (funded by HHS’ Office of Minority Health) aims to address this head-on by increasing the health literacy of Black, Indigenous, People of Color in four NYC zip codes that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.  

For the CHILA project, FPHNYC is assisting the Health Department in partnering with community and faith-based organizations that are trusted by the communities they serve.  In addition to disseminating health literacy messaging related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal is to expand these organizations’ capacity to provide ongoing health information and supportive services that transcend a specific disease.    

This is just one example of how FPHNYC and the Health Department apply a health equity lens, including a consideration of health literacy, to the design and implementation of many public health initiatives and public outreach campaigns. FPHNYC also collaborated with The Health Department on the “Reimagining Public Health for NYC” webinar series. The five videos in the series feature community leaders and Health Department subject area experts in a discussion about the intersection of public health, racial justice, and equity and their impact on individual and community health outcomes. 

FPHNYC and the Health Department apply a health equity lens, including a consideration of health literacy, to the design and implementation of many public health initiatives and public outreach campaigns.

Similarly, to address narratives that perpetuate racism and inequality and have long influenced organizational health literacy, FPHNYC helped the Open Society Foundations and the Health Department facilitate a two-day convening to explore, document, and mobilize strategies for narrative change. By using language that avoids bias and stigmatization, health providers, clinicians, and public health professionals can more effectively communicate with diverse audiences and reduce health literacy-related barriers that keep many communities from fully utilizing information important to their health and wellbeing.  

To learn more about health literacy, visit the CDC’s website which offers training modules for health professionals and consumers. The Institute for Healthcare Advancement also provides resources and toolkits designed to help health professionals integrate health literacy into their professional practice and development. 

The post Promoting Health Literacy to Advance Health Equity appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..

Brigit
Dave
Gabriella
Grace
Kyra
Mike
Monique
Rob
Robin
Ryan

The post Meet Team FPHNYC! appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..

The post From the FPHNYC Archives appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..

You can work on the puzzle online or download a PDF to print out (as well as a PDF answer key to the printed version). For the online game, you drag your cursor over the letters of the word (this 5-second video shows you how).

The online version allows you to adjust the puzzle’s look and settings, including difficulty — such as if words may be in reverse (note: in the printed version, some words are in reverse!). Plus, tapping on a word reveals a ‘hint’ where the word’s first letter in the puzzle grid is highlighted.

Have fun!

The post Public Health Word Search Puzzle appeared first on Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc..