Nurture KC’s upcoming flu and COVID vaccine clinics:
— Friday, Oct. 8 at Kansas City Kansas Community College (1 to 5 p.m.)
— Friday, Oct. 8 at Salvation Army in Olathe, KS (3:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
— Saturday, Oct. 9 at Nurture KC (10 a.m. to noon)
Thanks to Walgreens for providing the vaccines. For more details on these clinics and other future clinics, go to https://nurturekc.org/solutions/immunization/
So much is happening at Nurture KC! Access our September Update to learn:
– Immunization Symposium preview from Tracy Russell, Executive Director, Nurture KC
– How nurses, social workers and community health workers can earn continuing-education credits through the Immunization Symposium
– Why the documentary Belly of the Beast matters to women incarcerated women in our community (see key take-aways from our screening and discussion)
– Where our flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics are taking place in KS and MO (access the final schedule + an appointment scheduling option)
– What makes our Community Health Workers so special
– Who has joined our organization this month, including three key partners who renewed memberships
THANK YOU to Will Shields, hall-of-famer and former star of the Chiefs, for signing autographs for everyone who got their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at our clinic held at the Salvation Army of Olathe. We appreciate our partners El Centro, Walgreens and Aetna for this event.
Yesterday Nurture KC hosted a virtual screening of the documentary Belly of the Beast by Erika Cohn. It examines illegal sterilization practices in prison, along with poor healthcare, sexual abuse and assault, and targeting women of color. Nurture KC hosted this screening where 40 people watched the film and 20 participated in a group discussion afterward, which was moderated by Journey to New Life.
“Nurture KC advocates for the well-being of all women,” says Shannon Williams, Healthy Start Program Director. “Learning of the atrocities perpetrated against women incarcerated within the California Department of Corrections led us to inquire about how ‘justice involved’ women in Missouri are treated. This includes women who are in prison, on probation, diversion or parole. Viewing Belly of the Beast and having an open discussion with staff from Journey to New Life allowed attendees to gain insider knowledge on urgent health issues, as well as learn how we can better serve women and help them rebuild their lives.”
Click “read more” below to learn key take-aways from the discussion.
2021 Immunization Symposium:
“Vaccination in the Time of COVID-19”
October 14, 2021
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Central)
Held virtually via Zoom
Don’t miss this exciting, informative event! The 2021 Immunization Symposium is hosted by the Mid America Immunization Coalition (MAIC), a program of Nurture KC. This event brings together community leaders, renowned medical and immunization experts, and those who want to learn more and effectively advocate for vaccines to advance the health of our community. It’s open to the public and the cost to attend virtually is $75.
Health care workers can receive continuing-education credits through attending. The symposium has been approved for the following contact hours:
Nurses and nurse practitioners = 6.3 hours
Social workers and community health workers = 5.25 hours
Keynote speakers include:
Dr. Greg Poland, M.D. — As a doctor and researcher at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Poland specializes in immunogenetics of vaccine response in both adults and children. He coined the term “vaccinomics” to refer to the development of personalized vaccines on an increased understanding of immune response.
Dr. Kevin Ault, M.D., FACOG — Dr. Ault’s research and clinical interests are infectious diseases and women’s health. He has been an investigator in a wide variety of research projects involving maternal immunization and human papillomavirus. He is with the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Register or learn more, including seeing a detailed agenda, at https://nurturekc.org/solutions/immunization/2021-immunization-symposium/.
A special shout-out to all our Community Health Workers (CHWs) who go the extra mile for families in our Healthy Start program. Here are a few of our CHWs distributing free diapers to families. This service makes a tangible difference for our moms and dads! Thank you to our partner HappyBottoms.org. Learn more at https://nurturekc.org/solutions/.
**Former KC Chiefs star, Will Shields will sign autographs Friday for those getting vaccinated.**
With COVID-19 cases rising and flu season right around the corner, the best time to get vaccinated against both illnesses is NOW. The Mid America Immunization Coalition (MAIC), a program of Nurture KC, is offering both vaccines at all clinics and supporting underserved communities. The clinics are free and open to the public with Walgreens providing the immunizations. The vaccine clinic schedule is online on Nurture KC’s web site. All clinics will accept walk-ups or people can schedule appointments.
“We are excited for our clinic this Friday, Sept. 17 at the Salvation Army where Will Shields will be signing autographs (from 5 to 6 p.m.) for anyone getting immunized or bringing proof that they have been vaccinated. We’re thrilled to have him involved, as he is such a positive force for good and respected community leader,” says Tracy Russell, Executive Director of Nurture KC.
This Friday’s clinic is offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is two doses and available for those ages 12 and older. Our partner, El Centro, will also have tamales, corn on the cob, snow cones and prizes, such as QuikTrip gift cards, for those who get vaccinated.
Are you passionate about immunization to keep our community safe? We are looking to hire a Director to lead our Mid America Immunization Coalition (MAIC). In this role, you would build support for vaccination and improve metro wide vaccination rates — particularly for underserved populations — through direct service, education, organizational/volunteer infrastructure and public policy. This position is responsible for establishing organizational vision and strategy, as well as implementation of goals.
See the full job description and learn how to apply.
Questions? Contact info@nurturekc.org or 816-283-6242 (ext #243).
Click image to enlarge. Register at bit.ly/BellyofBeastScreening.
Back-to-school is the perfect time to make sure your kids are up-to-date with their vaccines. Check out Kansas and Missouri school immunization requirements on Nurture KC’s immunization page.
