Press Release:
On June 14, 2022 PDRC International, in collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools and VALUE (Vaccine Acceptance & Access Lives in Unity, Engagement & Education) Baltimore partners, organized a public health expert panel to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the immigrant population. The event titled, “Learning and Sharing about COVID-19’s impact on the immigrant community: discussions on the social, economic, civic, and health implications of the pandemic” occurred from 5PM-7PM at Medfield Heights Elementary School #249 (4300 Buchanan Ave. Baltimore, MD 21211). Attendants explored the art exhibit sponsored by The Arts Project called “The COVID-19 Experience: through the lens of hope, healing, and resilience.” Public health experts spoke about their COVID-19 response efforts over the past two years and its implications for the immigrant community.
Goma Thapaliya, a nurse faculty at Notre Dame of Maryland University and University of Maryland, explained the social determinants of health and COVID-19’s impact on immigrants. Porcia Manandhar, a Ph.D. candidate in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control at Johns Hopkins University in the Department of International Health, discussed vaccine types, vaccine acceptance in rural Nepal, and catching up on health services missed since the pandemic began. Four residents from Medstar Baltimore Internal Medicine residency program combated myths about the COVID-19 vaccine, provided information about the 0-5-year-old vaccine, and shared their own stories from working with patients in the field over the past 2 years. The Baltimore City Health Department presented COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates amongst different races and across distinct neighborhoods in the City.
After the experts gave their talks and facilitated a dialogue with the audience, traditional Nepalese dinner was provided by Mount Everest Catering. The guests in attendance represented the following organizations: Baltimore City Health Department, PRDC International, Baltimore Association of Nepalese America, Nepal parliament, Nepalis Public Relations Committee USA, Hindu Buddha Temple in Baltimore, Nepalese American Social Organization, Parbat Samaj- Baltimore, Nepalis Diaspora, Farwest Nepalese Society-Maryland, International Vaccine Access Center, Medstar Union Baltimore Hospital, Baltimore Athletic Club, American Society of Microbiology, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Medfield Heights Elementary School #249, Morgan State University, VALUE Baltimore ambassadors (from the immigrant, Latinx, pregnant and lactating, and youth groups), and the Office of Senator Chris Van Hollen. The majority of guests stayed to network following the presentations.
This collaboration provided a unique platform to share insight and resources amongst diverse stakeholders that serve the immigrant community. Creating these cross-sector partnerships increases awareness of the scope of opportunities available to meet community needs and multiplies the impact organizations can have when serving immigrant families.