Agnesian HealthCare, a member of SSM Health, is serving as a community partner with Fond du Lac Area United Way, which is one of 100 organizations across Wisconsin to receive funding for a five-month COVID-19 community health outreach program. The project’s overarching goal is to support national and statewide health equity efforts to reach the maximum number of people with information about COVID-19 vaccines. The team, which includes Alexandria Berg, senior community health specialist, is addressing barriers that hinder access for marginalized and underserved persons who might have difficulties accessing care services. 
“Efforts have focused on ways to increase vaccine access by coordinating rides, helping schedule appointments, hosting vaccination destinations, and making information more inclusive,” Berg says. “Together we are all committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of all our Fond du Lac citizens.” 
As of August 13, 43.2% of Fond du Lac County’s adult population has completed their vaccine series, up from 36.2% in April. Currently, fully vaccinated rates by race and ethnicity stand at 16.6% of American Indian residents, 30.8% of Asian residents, 16.1% of Black residents, 41.0% of White residents, 31.4% of Hispanic residents, and 42.0% of non-Hispanic residents. 
Community outreach between health care and non-profits will continue bringing pop-up clinics to the community to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines and information. Agnesian HealthCare providers offered public service announcements for cable and other social media channels with messaging specific to underserved populations.