Barbara Lash

COVID Vaccines for Small Children – What you need to know.

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After multiple delays, very young children are finally eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. In mid-June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 5 years, as well as to Moderna’s vaccine for kids ages 6 months to 6 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) soon after recommended the vaccines, which are now available.

Understandably, parents of small children are hesitant to get their children vaccinated without knowing the risks and benefits. 

Both vaccines are safe and effective

The Moderna vaccine primary series for children 6 months through 5 years old is administered in two 25-microgram doses given four to eight weeks apart. The shots were about 40–50% effective at preventing milder Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infections in young children. Moderna expects children in this age group to be offered a booster dose at some point in time. 

The Pfizer vaccine primary series for children 6 months to 4 years old is administered in  three 3-microgram doses. The first and second doses are separated by three to eight weeks and the second and third doses are separated by at least eight weeks. Three doses of the Pfizer vaccine were shown to be 80% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19.  

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were shown to have similar side effects, which included pain at the injection site, irritability, drowsiness and fever. 

Here are some common questions, with answers provided by the Kent County Health Department:

  • Is it a problem for my child to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
    • No, children and teens may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same time.  Because children may experience pain at the site where the shot is given, however, you should think about the number of shots you want your child to have at one time.
  • What kind of side effects should I worry about after my child gets the vaccine?
    • Any vaccine can cause side effects. These are usually minor (for example, a sore arm or low-grade fever) and go away within a few days.  The COVID-19 vaccine is no different.  If your child has any of the following after getting their vaccine, however, you should call or visit a doctor:
      • Breathing fast or having trouble breathing
      • Chest Pain
      • A fast or irregular heartbeat
      • Fainting
      • A high fever with spasms or jerky movements (seizures)
      • A swollen tongue or throat
      • A rash or hives on their body
  • Should my child get the vaccine if they have allergies?
    • Children with an allergy to food, latex or things in the environment (pollen, pets, bug bites, etc.) can get the COVID-19 vaccine.  Serious allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine have been very rare, especially among children.
  • Will my child act any differently after getting the vaccine?
    • Your child will likely complain that their arm hurts where the shot was given.  They may also feel tired, not want to eat and be more irritable and cry more than usual.  This shouldn’t last longer than a day. 
  • Why should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
    • Vaccinating children protects them when participating in childcare, school, and other activities.  It’s hard to predict how a child’s body will respond if they are infected with COVID-19.  Most kids will do well, but some get very sick and need to visit the hospital.  Getting the vaccine is the best way to help prevent this.
  • What’s the difference between the two vaccines for kids under 5 years old?
    • Both vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection.  The main difference is that the Pfizer vaccine is 3 doses and the Moderna vaccine is 2 doses.  The most important choice is the one to have your child vaccinated.
  • Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my child if they have diabetes or sickle cell disease?
    • There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine negatively impacts children with diabetes or sickle cell disease.  In fact, it is especially important for children with these conditions to be vaccinated as they are more likely to get severe COVID-19 if they are infected.
  • My child is 4 years old.  Should I wait until they are 5 to get vaccinated with the vaccine for 5-11 year olds?
    • It takes some time to be considered fully protected after getting vaccinated (6 weeks for the Moderna vaccine and 13 weeks for the Pfizer vaccine).  So that your child is fully protected as soon as possible, it is best not to wait and to get them vaccinated now.

You may still have more questions, so we encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider/pediatrician to determine what is the most appropriate action for your family.  

Need to get your child vaccinated?
GRAAHI is offering multiple free, local vaccine clinics.  To see the dates, locations and make an appointment, go to graahi.com/getvaccinated.

GRAAHI Welcomes New Board Members

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Grand Rapids African American Health Institute Names
Three New Members to its Executive Board

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI), an organization devoted to achieving health parity for Black Americans in Kent County and throughout the state, today announced the appointment of three new members to its Executive Board.

Dr. Karen Kennedy, Misti Stanton and Mia Gutridge were elected by existing GRAAHI Board members at the organization’s June meeting.

“Adding these three talented and dedicated leaders to our Executive Board will bring new insight to our advocacy efforts and strengthen our impact to the residents we serve,” said Vanessa Greene, CEO of GRAAHI. “We are grateful to have them join our Board and help us address chronic health issues and inequities facing the Black community.”

Dr, Karen Kennedy currently serves as the Mercy Health Physician Partners (MHPP) Regional Medical Director and serves as Lead Physician in one of their direct-to-employer medical sites with Lacks Enterprises Primary Care. She is also proud to serve as the MHPP Diversity and Inclusion Champion alongside a team of dedicated leaders from across West Michigan. She has previously served as Vice President of the West Michigan Medical Society in Grand Rapids. Dr. Kennedy has been a board-certified Family Medicine physician since 2002, earning a degree from Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, NY and her MD from the UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Family Medicine Residency program in New Brunswick, NJ.

Misti Stanton is a fresh voice in diversity in Michigan. After more than 30 years of community and non-profit work, she currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Mercantile Bank. She devotes her time and energy to cultivating an inclusive work environment in a rapidly-growing organization.

Misti is passionate about health equity, advocacy, and community empowerment. She has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others. She lives by the philosophy that community service impacts the health and well-being of our region. In her spare time, Misti volunteers for a variety of community organizations and advocates for youth literacy and community empowerment.

Mia Gutridge is currently the Human Resources Manager at Grand Rapids Housing Commission. She has a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management, is a certified Professional Human Resources (PHR) provider, and a member of the Society for Human Resources-Certified Professionals (SHRM-CP).

Mia is active in the community and serves in many leadership roles. She is the chapter president of the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, leading the chapter’s efforts in education development, economic development, mental and physical health, international awareness and development, and political awareness and development. She also serves as the District President of the Women’s Home and Missionary Society of Western Michigan and as a member of the Evaluation and Impact Committee for the Women’s Resource Center. She is married to Dwight L. Gutridge, Pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church in Grand Rapids.

“The strength of any organization begins with its Board,” said GRAAHI Board Chair Paul Doyle. “We are fortunate to have three dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate people join our Board and devote their efforts to improving health parity for Black citizens in the area.”

A Focus on Mental Health

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Vanessa Greene, CEO of GRAAHI, kicks off video series for Mental Health Awareness month, by sharing her own journey to get support.

Improving mental health care for Black community members continues to be a priority for GRAAHI. We know that the stigma associated with seeking or utilizing mental health care services can be a barrier for some community members.

In light of Mental Health Awareness month, we will highlight community members and mental health clinicians sharing their perspective on navigating mental health challenges, the benefits of therapy, tips on connecting a therapist, finding a healthy balance with therapy and medication and more!

To kick off our series, check out our CEO, Vanessa Greene, highlighting GRAAHI’s focus on mental health and sharing a bit about her mental health care journey.


Visit www.graahi.com/mentalhealth to see the videos and learn about mental health resources.

Join us May 21 for Family Event in Garfield Park

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GRAAHI joins other local organizations to host public Field day for Mental and Physical Wellness

Ready for some Family Fun? Join us on May 21st from 2pm to 5 pm at Garfield Park (near John Ball Zoo) for a day of activities, entertainment, prizes and fitness fun. We’ll be partnering up with local organizations to offer this FREE family event.

April 21 Declared GRAAHI Healthcare Advocacy Day, Mayor Bliss issues proclamation in support of Grand Rapids African American Health Institute

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Grand Rapids, Mich. (April 20, 2022) – The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is  proud to announce that Mayor Rosalynn Bliss has declared Thursday, April 21, 2022 the first-ever  “GRAAHI Healthcare Advocacy Day” in the city of Grand Rapids.  

In the proclamation Mayor Bliss highlights GRAAHI’s advocacy work in the community and states, “the  City of Grand Rapids is dedicated to eliminating healthcare inequity and supporting those organizations  promoting healthcare equality.” 

The proclamation comes as GRAAHI celebrates its 20th anniversary of advocating for health parity for  African Americans in our community. The day will culminate with a virtual Gala where GRAAHI will  recognize four prominent leaders in our community for their efforts in bringing greater health equity for all  residents. The Equity Champion Awards will be presented to: 

• Christina Keller, President/CEO, Cascade Engineering 

• Christina (Tina) Freese Decker, President/CEO, Spectrum Health Systems 

• Teresa Weatherall Neal, CEO, Lead 616 

• Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, MSU College of Human Medicine 

“We greatly appreciate the Mayor’s proclamation in support of our organization,” said Vanessa Greene,  CEO of GRAAHI. “The City’s commitment along with the support of the healthcare community, volunteers  and donors, is essential to us achieving our goal of health parity for all in Grand Rapids.” 

The GRAAHI 2021 Health Equity Report highlights the societal factors that block access to healthcare for  many minority residents in Grand Rapids, leading to higher rates of illness and death from COVID-19,  heart disease, lung cancer, HIV, obesity, depression, diabetes and infant mortality. If you would like learn more about how to get involved with our organization or would like to make a  donation, simply go to the GRAAHI.org website. 

5 Reasons We Need to Advocate for Better Black Maternal Health

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This year marks the fifth year anniversary of the Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) campaign. Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, BMHW is a week of awareness, activism, and community building.  While we’ve long known about the racial disparities in childbirth here in West Michigan through our research into health equity, we shine a light on 5 main reasons that we need to advocate for better black maternal healthcare.

  1. Black Women Are 3-4x more Likely to Die During Childbirth

The United States has some of the worst rates of maternal and infant health outcomes among high-income nations, despite spending an estimated $111 billion per year on maternal, prenatal, and newborn care. Nationally, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than white women.

  1. Underlying Health Conditions make Pregnancy more Risky

Black women experience higher rates of many preventable diseases and chronic health conditions including higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Black women are also more likely to experience reproductive health disorders such as fibroids, and are three times more likely to have endometriosis. 

  1. Black infants in America are 2x as Likely to Die Before their 1st birthday as White Infants

With 5.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, the United States has a high infant mortality rate, and Black babies are in the gravest danger, with an infant mortality rate in 2018 of 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to a rate of 4.6 White babies per 1,000 live births.

  1. Black Women Receive Less Help For Postpartum Depression

Black women not only face a higher chance of developing perinatal mood disorders than white women, but they are also less likely to receive treatment due to factors such as fear of stigma, involvement of child welfare services and financial barriers.

  1. Black women are More Likely to Quit, be Fired, or Return to Work Early

Compared to non-Hispanic white women, Black women are more likely to quit, be fired, or return to work before they are healthy after giving birth due to inadequate leave policies. Furthermore, nearly three in ten charges of pregnancy discrimination were filed by Black women.

Black women need the resources, opportunities, and support that will enable them to protect their human right to health and life and to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Maternal health disparities have many causes, but disparate social conditions, lack of access to quality prenatal care, and substandard maternal and reproductive health care are often key factors.

To learn more, read this brief from Black Mamas Matter Alliance, and GRAAHI’s Health Equity Index. 

Sources:  

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/america-is-failing-its-black-mothers/

https://blackmamasmatter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/0322_BMHStatisticalBrief_Final.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html

Self Care is Community Care

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A Call for Healing and Wellness

Today, as the video footage of the killing of Patrick Lyoya is released, collectively we will most likely feel shock, sadness and outrage. An act like this inflicts trauma on our entire community.

As proponents of health and wellness, GRAAHI invites you to practice ultimate self care during these times.  This includes the following:

  • Prayer
  • Meditation
  • Spending quality time with family and friends
  • Turning off social media, and whatever else you need to assist in protecting your overall mental health and wellness. 

It also means making choices about what actions you need to take to support yourself and your family.  Some may choose to watch the video and some may NOT choose to watch the video; both are your ultimate choice. What we ask is for you to truly protect your mental health and if you choose NOT to watch the video, It’s okay as this is your personal choice. If you do choose to watch, please do the following:

  • Make sure you set healthy boundaries around the viewing. 
  • Don’t watch it alone.
  • Ensure you have support to help you process the video.
  • Don’t watch it repetitively, further challenging your self care and wellness.

This is not just a Black problem, it’s a community problem and will affect everyone in different ways.  That being said, we encourage employers to acknowledge the potential impact of this event on your employees and what you can do to honor and protect them.  Please allow them grace and flexibility as they navigate this traumatic event that happened in our city.

Violence, racism and systemic bias are not new issues, they are ongoing crises and at times like this,  they become flashpoints for change. We encourage you to take this opportunity to practice self-care, self-empowerment and to stand with us as we fight for a better and safer community.  

We’re Hiring!

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Join our team as a Community Health Navigator.

Job Title: Independent Contractor – Community Health Navigator (Full-Time, Onsite and Remote- Hybrid)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI


Description:
The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is a non-profit organization
dedicated to achieving healthcare equity in the African American Community through advocacy,
education, and research. We have a rich history of contributing to social justice and racial equity
policy, programming, and interventions. We seek to employ talented and success-oriented
individuals, committed to supporting and advocating for the well-being of vulnerable populations.
We believe in a synergistic, collaborative work environment in which every staff member feels a
sense of belonging and valued.


We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader with a proven history of planning,
implementing, and executing programs and managing budgets. This independent contractor
position reports directly to the Community Navigator Lead.


Roles and Responsibilities
● Actively develops and engages with key stakeholders.
● Builds collaborative relationships with community partners.
● Knowledgeable in organization’s history, programs, mission, and vision.
● Organize COVID and health related clinics, including marketing, canvassing and various
forms of social media.
● Work closely with community partners.
● Assist in surveys, focus groups, data collection, and monthly reports.
● Assist with other duties as assigned.


Requirements
● Commitment to GRAAHI’s mission and values.
● Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or work experience equivalent to 2 years plus.
● Proven history of working with a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
● Analytical thinking and ability to analyze data.
● Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
● Proficient and flexible in MS Office Word/Excel and Google documents.
● Detailed oriented, excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, ability
to meet deadlines and excellent time management skills.
● Initiative-taker and independent.

Why GRAAHI?
● You will get the chance to form relationships with motivated staff members, a
phenomenal community, and stakeholders who genuinely care about the organization
and improving the health of the community.
● You will see the impact of the work that you do and meet the people that are
transformed by the programs of the organization.
● This is the perfect opportunity to support the community while addressing
healthcare issues.


To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, two letters of recommendations, and three
references to info@graahi.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position
is filled.

To download the job description as a PDF, click here.


GRAAHI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for
employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race,
color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by
federal, state, or local laws.

March into a Healthier You — Get Screened for Colon Cancer

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Increased risks in the Black Community create greater need for awareness and screening.

by Mikisha Plesco, Dir. of Operations, GRAAHI

Chadwick Boseman was a beloved actor and playwright that was known for his iconic roles such as 42 (portraying Jackie Robinson), Get on Up (portraying James Brown), and Marshall (portraying Thurgood Marshall), Boseman is most known for his role as T’Challa in Black Panther which made him known worldwide. Unknowingly the world watched Boseman silently and slowly die from stage III colon cancer in 2020, which he was diagnosed with in 2016. Boseman gave his best work all the way up to the end with his last film being Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Boseman’s fight with colorectal cancer was a silent one that shocked the world, but there are approximately 1.8 new cases worldwide. According to the American Cancer Association there are 106,180 new cases of colon cancer and 44,850 new rectal cancer per year in the United States. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s image below displays the impact of colorectal cancer by sex, race, and ethnicity which shows African American and women have a higher incidence and mortality rate than other races.

Mayo Clinic indicates that colorectal symptoms include, but are not limited to the following:

  • A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
  • A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • No symptoms at all especially in early stages and location

The Mayo Clinic further explains that symptoms may vary from person to person and to seek a provider if you have any persistent symptoms. The typical guidelines is for colorectal screening over 50 years old, but Boseman was 43 years old. If you have any changes that are not normal for your body then seek medical advice.

Mayo Clinic further indicates the risk factors of colorectal cancer are the following:

  • Older age. Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50. The rates of colon cancer in people younger than 50 have been increasing, but doctors aren’t sure why.
  • African-American race. African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.
  • A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you’ve already had colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
  • Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
  • Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. Some gene mutations passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer significantly. Only a small percentage of colon cancers are linked to inherited genes. The most common inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, which is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
  • Family history of colon cancer. You’re more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a blood relative who has had the disease. If more than one family member has colon cancer or rectal cancer, your risk is even greater.
  • Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a typical Western diet, which is low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this area has had mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat diets high in red meat and processed meat.
  • A sedentary lifestyle. People who are inactive are more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
  • Diabetes. People with diabetes or insulin resistance have an increased risk of colon cancer.
  • Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer and an increased risk of dying of colon cancer when compared with people considered normal weight.
  • Smoking. People who smoke may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
  • Alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol increases your risk of colon cancer.
  • Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers increases the risk of colon cancer.

The National Cancer Institute indicates the following ways to prevent or reduce your risk of colorectal cancer which is key:

  • If you are over 50 years old and have average risk factors, then be screened for colorectal cancer. Please seek your provider’s recommendation based on your personal risk factors.
  • Avoid smoking
  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy diet
  • If you are at high risk then taking medicines to treat a precancerous condition or to keep cancer from starting under a provider’s guidance.

The National Cancer Institute states, “Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may lower your risk, but does not mean that you will not get cancer.” It may improve the outcome if you are diagnosed with cancer. Early detection may mean a difference of survival.

Boseman, an alumni of Howard University, was proud to represent the university and completed a commencement speech that impacted the class of 2018 when he left them with these words, “Forget their stories, I can tell my own stories … Sometimes you need to get knocked down before you can really figure out what your fight is and how you need to fight it. When I dared to challenge the systems that would relegate us to victims and stereotypes with no clear historical backgrounds, no hopes or talents, when I questioned that method of portrayal, a different path opened up for me — a path to my destiny. When God has something for you, it doesn’t matter who stands against it.”

To have a fighting chance against colorectal cancer, please talk to your provider about changes in health, know your risk factors, make necessary changes to decrease risk factors, and be screened for colorectal cancer.

To learn more, tune into our panel discussion on March 22nd at 11am EST. Click here to register (https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-uqeteTVxbsmR4LHu8NKXQ) or watch live in GRAAHI social channels.

References:Colorectal cancer statistics | World Cancer Research Fund InternationalColorectal cancer is the third most commonly occurring cancer in men and the second most commonly occurring cancer in…www.wcrf.org

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colorectal-prevention-pdq

https://www.who.int/health-topics/#C

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uscs/about/data-briefs/no16-colorectal-cancer-2007-2016.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669

6 Notable Quotes From Chadwick Boseman’s Howard 2018 Commencement Speech

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chadwick-Boseman

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1569276/

COVID and the Workplace – Community Roundtable

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Online Discussion Shines a Light on Equity and Support During the Pandemic – Jan 27th at 10am

Four women leaders share best practices they have learned from their staff and community

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) will bring together four local female executives for a virtual Community Roundtable event titled, “COVID and the Workplace” on Thursday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m.

From healthcare, education and the private sector, the panelists will discuss how COVID has impacted their teams and our community, and how they’ve navigated the shifting landscape to ensure that new policies are equitable, safe and sustainable for all. The panelists scheduled to participate are:

  • Christina Keller, President/CEO, Cascade Engineering
  • Christina (Tina) Freese Decker, President/CEO, Spectrum Health Systems
  • Teresa Weatherall Neal, CEO, Lead 616
  • Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, MSU College of Human Medicine

Vanessa Greene, CEO of GRAAHI, will serve as moderator. 

“The tragic impact of COVID-19, especially among the African American population, has rocked our community,” said Greene. “We are blessed to have these dynamic leaders in our region who are willing to share their insights and provide guidance to others during this important roundtable discussion.”

Click here to learn more about the Community Roundtable. The Roundtable will be LIVE-streamed to our social channels. Here is a link to Watch it on Zoom 

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Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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At GRAAHI we promote non-discriminatory practices. We do not, and shall not, discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of our activities or operations. We are committed to honesty AND transparency. We support diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas, including but not limited to, staff hiring, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. Together we accomplish the extraordinary.

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