MD Launching First Vaccine Equity Operation Plan In Nation: Hogan

MARYLAND — Maryland will launch the first vaccine equity operations plan in the country to address health disparities and equity issues affecting vulnerable populations, Gov. Larry Hogan said Thursday.

At a press conference in Annapolis, the governor said the plan will help boost vaccination rates in underserved, hard-to-reach communities through outreach, education, and data analysis. The plan will be carried out by the state's equity task force — which is led by Maryland National Guard Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead.

Under the plan, the task force will partner with a range of public and private agencies to help open COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout the state. The task force will also serve as a clearinghouse for proposals from nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations seeking to assist vulnerable populations.

"Historic data shows that vulnerable, underserved, and hard-to-reach communities face both structural and informational barriers to vaccine access," she said. "Growing disparities in these communities make it necessary to be intentional and concrete in steps that we're going to take to remove these barriers and improve the rate of the vaccine in arms in vulnerable populations."

Birckhead laid out the process of plan, saying the first step is to identify which communities need the most help.

The task force will examine possible vaccine sites based on a variety of socio-economic and demographic factors — including minority composition, the population with an annual income below $49,000, the unemployment rate, and households without access to a vehicle.

Communities interested in sponsoring a site can submit a brief proposal to the task force's support staff. Local health departments are also encouraged to nominate communities they think meet the criteria.

The staff will then review the proposals for supportability. If approved, staff will forward the community plans to task force leaders.

Birckhead said she will then consider all staff recommendations and balance them with other pending requests and active programs.

Once those proposals get the green light, they'll be sent to the Maryland Department of Health for review and vaccines will be distributed.

This article will be updated.