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182 Addressing Health Disparities through an Innovative University-Community Vaccination and Food Access Model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 April 2022

Carlyn Kimiecik
Affiliation:
Purdue University
Elizabeth Crawford
Affiliation:
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation
Jasmine D. Gonzalvo
Affiliation:
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation
Megan Conklin
Affiliation:
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation
Susie Crowe
Affiliation:
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation
Kathy Hahn Keiner
Affiliation:
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Sandra Dugan
Affiliation:
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Jordan Smith
Affiliation:
Walgreens
Erik Barnett
Affiliation:
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Sarah Estell
Affiliation:
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Bob Williams
Affiliation:
St. Vincent de Paul, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation. Adeoye-Olatunde, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation
Peter Zubler
Affiliation:
St. Vincent de Paul, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation. Adeoye-Olatunde, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation
Omolola A
Affiliation:
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation
Sonak Pastakia
Affiliation:
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Equity and Innovation
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Abstract

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OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To describe and evaluate an innovative university-community vaccination and food access model for minority, immigrant, and underserved individuals experiencing food insecurity during a global pandemic. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Purdue University Center for Health Equity and Innovation (CHEqI) partnered with the two largest food banks in the Midwest and Walgreens to offer free COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations alongside food distribution. Goals included addressing food insecurity, increasing vaccine access, and decreasing vaccine hesitancy. CHEqI acquired funding, recruited volunteers and interpreters, assessed interest and addressed vaccine hesitancy. Food bank/pantry partners distributed food and provided access to clientele and marketing assistance. Walgreens procured, administered, and documented vaccinations. The Model accommodated drive-through and indoor processes. Unidentifiable observational and self-report data were collected. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize program outcomes. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A total of 11 vaccination events occurred between June and October 2021 at three food bank/pantry locations. Of these 11 events, nine (82%) were drive-through and two (18%) took place indoors, eight (72%) offered COVID-19 vaccinations only, and three (27%) offered both COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations. Food was distributed to a total of 5,108 families and 416 vaccines (314 COVID, 102 Flu) were administered. Of the 396 individuals who received at least one vaccine, 20 (5%) received both a COVID and Flu vaccine. Of the 386 individuals who received at least one vaccine and reported their sex, 194 (50%) identified as female and the average age of those who received at least one vaccine was 45 years old. Of those who reported race (N = 228) or ethnicity (N = 253), 43% identified as Black or African American and 53% identified as LatinX. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Findings offer an innovative vaccination and food access model for diverse individuals experiencing food insecurity during a global pandemic. By drawing on cost effective, accessible, and culturally contextualized practices to optimize the reach and quality of vaccination services we can improve access barriers and mitigate health disparities.

Type
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of Cambridge University Press must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. The Association for Clinical and Translational Science