HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is partnering with state chapters of nine historically African American, Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations within Black and Brown communities.
The nine fraternities and sororities are holding a series of free town hall discussions to spread factual information about the vaccines in order to combat vaccine hesitancy and to increase access to the vaccine.
Made possible through the DPH Trusted Messenger Forum program, the discussions will feature well-known doctors, clinicians and public servants that are members of the organizations, state officials said.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Epsilon Omicron Omega Chapter is leading the initiative. The chapter has served the Greater Hartford area for over 70 years. It is the sororities' first graduate chapter in Connecticut.
President of the chapter, Josie Wright, said Alpha Kappa Alpha is leading the initiative with an expert panel of medical professionals with members from each of the nine sororities and fraternities.
"This panel is designed to share factual information and dismantle concerns surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine within the communities we serve," Wright said.
The other participating fraternities and sororities include Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Iota Phi Theta.
State Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said the goal is to ensure everyone in the community has accurate information on the vaccine, so each person can decide whether to get it or not.
"We are very excited that they will be spreading the word to Connecticut's Black communities about the vaccines and nearby vaccine clinics with their upcoming public forums," Gifford said.
The kick-off town hall panel is being held Wednesday evening, May 12.