Christopher Gil
Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA)
(415) 282-3334 ext. 152
cgil@medasf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mission District “Vidas Saludables” Community Health and Wealth Fair to be Held April 23
Goal to better the physical and economic health of the Latino and immigrant community to counter negative effects of COVID-19
SAN FRANCISCO, April 19, 2022 —The Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), as part of a collaboration of Mission District partners, has announced that this Saturday, April 23, there will be a free community event to physically and economically strengthen families. Branded “Vidas Saludables: Feria de salud y recursos para la comunidad,” the gathering will be at In Chan Kaajal Park (photo) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (17th and Folsom streets). There will be free food and refreshments, plus raffles for prizes.
The fair will offer vital health support via COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, HIV and blood pressure screenings, and connections to health care and mental health providers. On the fiscal side, financial support, affordable-housing information and access to food pantries will be offered.
“This event is timely and seeks to strengthen the community hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Christopher Gil, spokesperson for MEDA. “As in many regions of the United States, Latinos in San Francisco were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic since they are often essential workers living in overcrowded conditions. Combatting hesitancy to get the COVID-19 vaccine is imperative to protect the community as we move toward equitable recovery.”
Since the pandemic began, Latinos have accounted for between 25%-50% of COVID-19 positive cases in San Francisco despite the fact that they represent only 15% of the city’s population. Additionally, Latinos in the Bay Area make up 31% of essential workers, according to data from the Center for Economic and Policy Research Analysis of the American Community Survey. MEDA received a pair of grants to help mitigate vaccination hesitancy: a $1M federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA); and a $250K grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).
A culturally relevant “Las Tres Tías” community-wide campaign was created, with outreach done via partners and promotoras. This cadre of vaccine community outreach workers comprises Promotoras Activas SF, which is a worker-owned cooperative, and Promotoras en Acción Para Nuestra Comunidad (PANC), part of Good Samaritan Family Resource Center. Besides MEDA and Good Sam, other partners of the Mission Promise Neighborhood involved in this vaccine initiative include Felton Institute, Instituto Familiar de la Raza, Jamestown Community Center, Mission Graduates and Mission Neighborhood Health Center.
The collaborative efforts of these partners has shown impact: The vaccine rate for Latinos in San Francisco has now climbed to 89% (completion of a vaccine series), with more than 90% having received at least one dose. Promotoras are available to answer vaccine questions and/or to make an appointment when community members call (415) 226-9345.
All City and County of San Francisco COVID-19 protocols will be in place for the event.
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About Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA)
Rooted in San Francisco’s Mission District, MEDA is advancing a national equity movement by building Latino prosperity, community ownership and civic power. We envision generations of Latino families choosing where to call home, thriving economically, succeeding in learning opportunities, and leading policy and social change toward a more equitable society.
medasf.org
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