PHILADELPHIA — On Saturday, April 23 at 1:00 pm, Philly Counts is hosting events to celebrate the hard work of our community partners and bring volunteers together for community outreach in three neighborhoods with the lowest vaccination rates: Millcreek, Hartranft, and East Oak Lane/ Olney. Remarks will be provided by Councilmembers Helen Gym, Jamie R. Gauthier, and Cherelle Parker. Representatives from Esperanza, Jaisohn Medical Center, Philly Counts, and the Office of Public Engagement will be in attendance. Members of the public can register at the most convenient location: Millcreek, Hartranft, and East Oak Lane/ Olney.
Philly Counts office has been helping direct community engagement efforts for the COVID-19 vaccine for the past two years. During this time, the office has done outreach to over 400,000 people in low-vaccinated neighborhoods and had individual conversations with over 65,000 people about the COVID-19 vaccine.
“The progress we have made increasing accessibility to the COVID-19 vaccine and other resources is possible because of the Philly Counts network of community leaders and organizations working together. When people are active and involved, this collective effort strengthens our democracy. As we give thanks to our partners for all the hard work we have already done, we recognize there is still much work to do.” said Stephanie Reid, Executive Director for Philly Counts.
According to Bloomberg News, targeted outreach has led to Philadelphia being one of the most highly vaccinated large cities in the country with equally high marks on equitable vaccination.
“For COVID-19 prevention and outreach we have strengthened Philadelphia through partnerships, collaborations, and instituting best practices to better serve our communities,” said Charles Lanier, Executive Director, Hunting Park Neighborhood Advisory Committee.
Philly Counts has established a network of 435 individuals, 137 Philanthropy Network COVID-19 Prevention and Response Grantees, and engaged 302 community-based organizations.
“Working with Philly Counts to phone bank has been one of the greatest experiences for me. It has strengthened our community and I am proud. I have connected with neighbors, family, and various communities within our city,” said Sally Bells, a volunteer for Philly Counts.
Philly Counts has assisted 2,319 Philadelphians to order COVID-19 Test Kits. The team has provided information to 7,065 residents about a need they are experiencing and trained over 1,110 Vaccine Information Training Champions.
“It’s more rewarding the more people you call and talk to. If I can help someone, whether it be food, rental assistance, or COVID I feel like I’m participating in something bigger than me,” said Wanda Abdullah, a volunteer with the Mayor’s Commission on Aging.
For more information and resources about the COVID-19 vaccine visit www.phila.gov/PhillyCounts. Members of the public can sign up here for Philly Counts’ updates and get more information about volunteer opportunities.
About Philly Counts
Philly Counts is helping direct community engagement efforts for the COVID-19 vaccine. In partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and other public and private partners, Philly Counts will leverage its existing network of staff and volunteers to provide COVID-19 outreach, education, organizing, and canvassing efforts to ensure that every Philadelphia resident understands why they should consider being vaccinated.