The San Bernardino County COVID-19 Health Ambassador program launched in June of 2021 with the mission of promoting overall community health and preventing the spread of COVID-19 countywide. This team of dedicated Public Health professionals provides educational presentations, informational booths, and in-person outreach to every area of San Bernardino County. They specialize in knowledge related to COVID-19 prevention, testing, and vaccinations. San Bernardino County was the first county in California to launch a program like this! Since its inception, at least five other counties have launched a similar program and the State of California recently announced their plan to launch a version of their own ambassador program.
In the month of September 2021 alone, they provided 6 presentations, attended 7 community events, and hosted 34 informational booths.
Since the start of their program, they have had over 2,385 personal conversations with the community about COVID-19, provided over 5,550 educational materials, and 1,723 giveaways at events. They recently celebrated their 100th attended event!
After a presentation by the COVID-19 Health Ambassadors in partnership with the Family Service Association and the Together Toward Health team. The Family Service Association reported:
- 108 people believed the training helped increase their knowledge to keep program participants (our most vulnerable neighbors) safe,
- 97 people increased their knowledge on the risks associated with COVID so they can more effectively educate those around them,
- 92 people indicated they increased their awareness about vaccine safety,
- 23 people thought the information could help them help stop the spread of misinformation in their circles, and
- 43% of unvaccinated participants reported that they are more likely to get vaccinated.
Sadie Covarrubias, a COVID-19 Health Ambassador, reported that she enjoys her job. Each day, she gets to talk to the community about COVID-19 and help to end the pandemic for good.
“One day, when we were out with the San Bernardino County mobile vaccination team in Phelan, several of the residents decided to get vaccinated after we spoke with them and were able to provide them with more information about COVID,” Covarrubias said.
“The COVID-19 Health Ambassador Team is a representation of just one of the many ways that Public Health and the entire County team has striven during this pandemic to support each individual as we work together to make healthy choices for ourselves, for others, and for our community,” said Joshua Dugas, Director of Public Health.
To learn more about the COVID-19 Health Ambassador Program or to request their services for your business, organization, or to have them attend a community event, please visit https://sbcovid19.com/health-ambassador-program/ or email communityevents@dph.sbcounty.gov.
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