Health Ambassadors Enhance Equity in Vaccination Efforts

As vaccination efforts continue in San Mateo County with a focus on equity, the health ambassadors offer a warm smile and support to those who are waiting their turn in line, and those who have just been vaccinated. The Health Ambassador Program (HAP) that is housed under the Office of Diversity and Equity has partnered with Health Policy and Planning to bring health ambassadors to vaccination sites. This program serves to increase community awareness of services available, connect individuals with support, reduce stigma around mental health and substance use, and improve the ability of community members to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. As we think of equity in vaccine distribution and using community based sites, the communities that have been most affected by COVID-19, many times are communities that need information on how to access resources offered by the county. We have equity at the forefront of our planning, and the HAPs increase our touch points with communities that need it the most. If you are interested in becoming a health ambassador and supporting your community, more information can be found here.