World Health Organization Emergency Declaration Underlines Importance of Continuing Efforts to Raise Awareness About Mpox in the United States
WASHINGTON, DC, August 15, 2024 – The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health (the “Coalition”) has launched a microgrant program* with LGBTQ organizations to support their efforts to increase mpox awareness through dissemination of information and educational resources.
“With the participation of 16 micrograntees in this collaborative program, we look to increase awareness around mpox prevention and vaccination, with a focus on improving outcomes for marginalized communities,” said National Coalition for LGBTQ Health Executive Director Brian Hujdich.
From California to Texas and Florida to New York, the micrograntees utilize a mix of social media, newsletters, traditional media, and robust in-person engagement to facilitate effective and impactful reach in focus communities. The micrograntees are:
- Abounding Prosperity, Dallas, TX
- Alliance Care 360, Chicago, IL
- Alliance for Positive Change, New York, NY
- APLA Health, Los Angeles, CA
- Capitol Ballroom Council, Inc., Washington, DC
- The Center for Black Equity, Washington, DC
- Civic Heart Community Services, Houston, TX
- Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation, Corpus Christi, TX
- Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center, Lake Worth, FL
- The Goddess Mercado & The Queer Mercado, Los Angeles, CA
- Latino Commission on AIDS, New York, NY
- The Pride Center at Equality Park, Wilton Manors, FL
- Project Briggs, Inc., Washington, DC
- Realistic Education in Action Coalition to Foster Health (REACH LA), Los Angeles, CA
- Thrive SS, East Point, GA
The awareness and educational materials are designed to further empower communities with knowledge and resources for dissemination, enabling them to more fully engage in preventive measures and raise awareness of vaccination and its equitable access. Micrograntee outreach efforts are supported by the Coalition’s Mpox Resource Center, which provides information, data, links to resources, and general news from multiple sources on mpox in the United States and globally.
“It is vital that we continue to strengthen capacity and awareness around effective prevention, including vaccination, and treatment for mpox in the U.S.,” said National Coalition for LGBTQ Health Director of Communications & Marketing Marco Winkler. “This has become more apparent with the World Health Organization declaring a new international public health emergency due to the deadly outbreak of mpox – mainly from the more dangerous clade I – in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several other countries in Africa.”
* The microgrant program is made possible through a grant from Bavarian Nordic. Inc.
For more information, please contact
Marco Winkler
Director of Communications and Marketing
+1 202-232-6749
[email protected]
