Savannah to Host Community Health Advocates Training on HPV Awareness September 26

Savannah Community Health Advocates Training Session Set for September 26

Hey there, Savannah! There’s an exciting opportunity coming your way thanks to the fantastic folks at Healthy Savannah. On Thursday, September 26, they’re hosting an online training session for up to 18 eager community health advocates (CHAs) to help spread the word about the importance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. This training kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and is open to anyone looking to make a difference in our community.

You might have heard about the listening session held at Savannah State University (SSU) on September 12, where the CHA program was introduced to a group of engaged students. One of the attendees, Keyonie Collier, exclaimed, “I had no idea that among Black women, cervical cancer mortality rates are almost one and a half times as high as in White women with cervical cancer.” This highlights the urgent need for more outreach and education for college-aged Black women, paving the way for better health outcomes.

Why Get Involved?

If you’re curious about becoming a CHA, now is the perfect time to register for the training session. Besides the rewarding experience of helping others, those who complete the training will receive an $800 incentive for participating in outreach activities. You’ll join a growing team of CHAs already making waves in the community.

Dr. Elsie Smalls, the operations manager with Healthy Savannah, shared, “If we can bring about a culture of acceptance of the HPV vaccine in Savannah’s priority communities, and if vaccination rates were to rise to 90% or better, HPV-related cervical cancer could be drastically reduced.” It’s a powerful message underscoring how impactful education and community effort can be.

Access to the HPV Vaccine

In his comments, Bonzo Reddick, MD, the health director of the 8-county Coastal Health District, emphasized the need for public awareness regarding vaccine preventable diseases. “The Coastal Health District wants you to know that HPV-related cancers are preventable, and the HPV vaccine and other vaccines can save your life. Our health departments will work with you to ensure access to the HPV vaccine and other lifesaving vaccines no matter your health insurance status or financial situation,” he said.

Several clinics in Chatham County are stepping up to provide no-cost vaccines or assistance for those who may be underinsured or uninsured. Notable clinics include Coastal Health District’s Eisenhower Clinic, J. C. Lewis Primary Health Care, and Curtis V Cooper Primary Health Care. This means that no one should miss out on the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones from HPV-related health issues.

Educational Resources and Initiatives

Healthy Savannah’s mission is clear: to foster a culture of vaccine acceptance in our community. They’ve received a grant to support the HPV Vaccination Equity Initiative, expanding their award-winning CHA program to focus on education about HPV vaccination. This initiative aims to empower advocates and the general public with knowledge through educational toolkits that include resources on HPV, talking points, local and national resources, and even suggested social media posts.

Since its introduction in 2021, the CHA program has trained over 80 advocates, thanks to funding from the Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grants. These passionate advocates are integral in sharing science-based information about vaccines within our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.

How to Join

Excited to make a difference? To register for the CHA training on September 26 or to learn more about the HPV Vaccination Equity Initiative, simply reach out to Patricia Merritt, the program coordinator, at patricia@healthysavannah.org. You can also check out the CHA program on Healthy Savannah’s website for more details.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a vital community initiative that can help change lives right here in Savannah!