New funding announced to support access to COVID-19 vaccines

North Carolina has announced the next round of funding aimed at ensuring an equitable response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An additional $500,000 in grants has been awarded to support a new cohort of local community groups that are working to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the state.

The funding is being managed by Healthier Together, a public-private partnership between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the NC Counts Coalition.

The grants will support vaccine outreach and education efforts in vulnerable communities to help people get connected to first, second, or booster vaccinations. The initiative includes providing help in scheduling appointments and arranging transportation.

According to a news release, the initial round of community-based efforts this summer reached more than 400,000 people through door-to-door and site-based canvassing, phone and text message outreach, and educational events.

The new round of funding will be available through February 2022.