October 2021 – GRAAHI

COVID 19 Fatigue: Let’s Keep Fighting- We Can Beat This Pandemic

October 28, 2021 by Barbara Lash

by Vanessa Greene, CEO, Grand Rapids African American Health Institute

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in December 2019 due to an outbreak of respiratory illness cases in China. The first case in the United States was reported on January 20, 2020 and a few months later COVID- 19 was declared a global pandemic. It has consumed our daily lives and thoughts and has been the topic of conversation in every household and at every work and social gathering for two years. I know we are all experiencing COVID fatigue. We are tired of talking about it, watching everything we do and taking precautions every place we go. We are desperate to resume our normal lives free of masks and COVID protocols. However, there is hope. If we all do our part to mitigate this virus that has claimed the lives of over 750,000 Americans, we can beat this pandemic- we really can. There is a lot of controversy about the vaccine, but scientific and medical evidence shows that people who are fully vaccinated are less likely to become infected and develop symptoms and are at substantially reduced risk from severe illness and death from COVID-19 compared with unvaccinated people.

According to a recent report, published by the Mayo Clinic staff, below is the effectiveness of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines:

Pfizer

● 91% effective at preventing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms in people age 16 and older

● Greater than 89% effective in preventing people with health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, from developing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms

● 100% effective at preventing the COVID-19 virus in children ages 12 through 15 ● Appears to protect against severe COVID-19 due to COVID-19 variants

Moderna

● 94% effective at preventing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms

● Greater than 90% effective in preventing people with health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, from developing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms

● Appears to protect against severe COVID-19 due to COVID-19 variants

Johnson & Johnson

● 66% effective at preventing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms

● 85% effective at preventing the COVID-19 virus with severe illness

● Appears to protect against severe COVID-19 due to COVID-19 variants

As I think about the 750,000 deaths, it is more than numerical data, these numbers represent real people: husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. Additionally, many people are suffering long term illnesses as a result of COVID, which impacts their entire family. I urge you to use your fatigue towards the fight to end this pandemic. The best scientific and medical defenses on mitigating this pandemic are getting the vaccine, wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and using hand sanitizer. Yes, we are tired, scared and frustrated, but we must fight a little while longer to end this pandemic.

Join us in this fight today to help save lives!!

Help Benton Harbor residents have safe drinking water.

November 16, 2021October 19, 2021 by Barbara Lash

In yet another crisis affecting mostly black communities, Benton Harbor residents may not have safe drinking water for another year and a half.Much like the Flint, Michigan water crisis, Benton Harbor is dealing with high levels of lead in their drinking water. And, much like Flint residents, the people of Benton Harbor are asking why they’re just finding out about the very unsafe water years after local authorities became aware of the problem. While the Governor has call for all hands in to help with the crisis, we’re doing our part to serve our community.In partnership with First Community AME Church–Grand Rapids, MI, we’re collecting bottled water for Benton Harbor.

Bring bottled water or monetary gifts to 2 drop off locations or make a monetary donation by clicking on this link: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Bentonharborwatercrisis

Your Guide to COVID-19 Vaccinations – A Q&A For Parents with GRPS and GRAAHI

January 16, 2022October 11, 2021 by Barbara Lash

FREE ONLINT EVENT – Wednesday, January 26th

The Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute are working together to ensure every family feels informed about COVID-19 vaccinations for our youth.

As we have lived through this pandemic together, we all know that there is a lot of information out there that can be overwhelming for parents/guardians. We have developed a panel of clinicians from our community that will be able to help answer any of your questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations.

The panel will come together virtually on Wednesday, January 26th at 9:30 am and 6 pm. We hope this panel helps you make an informed decision.

RSVP on Facebook

Join the Zoom:

Choose to attend this meeting on 1/26 at either of the following times:

9:30 A.M. https://grps-org.zoom.us/j/85880130773?pwd=RndQRjlGaXI5a0x1bi90cUJzOFVYdz09
6:00 P.M. https://grps-org.zoom.us/j/83449614443?pwd=Y2NSN0dlWnJFZktyRE80c1Y0YUp3UT09

Annual Fundraising Gala Resceduled to 2022 due to Delta variant and resurgence of COVID cases.

November 16, 2021October 11, 2021 by Barbara Lash

As an organization committed to improving the health and well-being of all in our community, the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute has always acted in the best interests of our community.

With that guiding principle in mind, we have decided to move our GRAAHI Gala planned for October 28, 2021. The recent surge of positive tests, hospitalizations, and tragic deaths attributed to the COVID-19 virus dictate that we alter our plans to ensure the health and safety of our attendees, honored guests and their families. We believe securing our new date of April 21, 2022 for the event is the most responsible course of action and will enable us to direct our energies in addressing the current surge along with our community partners. It will also give us the opportunity to celebrate GRAAHI’s 20th Anniversary Milestone” with our community.

Read more at https://graahi.com/events/gala

Vanessa Greene honored as a Diversity Business Leader Award Winner.

November 16, 2021October 11, 2021 by Barbara Lash

Corp! Magazine has recognized businesses, organizations and leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and achievements within their organization or the community. Corp! is thrilled to honor its 14^th Annual Salute to Diversity winners.

As the new CEO of Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, Vanessa Greene is expanding on GRAAHI’s mission as a leader for health equity in West Michigan, helping to identify and eliminate barriers to health for blacks, latinx and all people of color. TheGrand Rapids African American Health Institute is a leading national organization devoted to achieving healthcare parity for African Americans through advocacy, education, and research.