Non-profits seeking to help equitably distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in Boston will be able to apply for funds under a new vaccine equity initiative announced Friday by Acting Mayor Kim Janey.
In her first announcement since assuming the job, Janey announced a $1.5 million pot of funds that non-profits can apply for beginning March 31.
The money, Janey said, will go towards diversifying outreach partners who will help craft information campaigns, provide language interpretation and transportation services in an effort to provide greater vaccine access for the communities in Boston’s that have been disproportionately affected by the virus.
“As we begin a new chapter in our city, we are inviting new partners to the table in our fight against COVID-19. While all partnerships will be considered, the vaccine equity grant initiative will prioritize partnerships or organizations that have not previously been fully engaged in this work,” Janey said at the Roxbury YMCA.
The news came at Janey's first press conference on COVID-19 since she was sworn in on Thursday after U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh resigned the job for his new position Monday night.
Janey, who previously expressed reservations about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, was vaccinated after she spoke to reporters. She said she hoped her vaccination announcement would serve as an example to others.
“I am trusting the data, I am trusting the science and I want to lead by example for anyone who still has questions or hesitancy around the vaccine,” she said.
