Description:
This workshop focuses on improving immunization rates within Latinx communities by addressing the health disparities and systemic barriers that contribute to lower vaccine uptake. Participants will explore culturally responsive approaches to building vaccine confidence, learn effective strategies to address hesitancy and misinformation, and identify practical solutions to increase access to immunizations. The session will also examine how social determinants of health (SDOH) impact vaccination rates and how collaborative community efforts can drive meaningful change.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the social, economic, and cultural factors contributing to lower immunization rates in Latinx populations.
- Address common misconceptions and concerns about vaccines using culturally sensitive and respectful communication strategies.
- Design and implement collaborative, community-based strategies that address SDOH barriers to immunization access and effectively mobilize local resources.
Speakers:
Michelangelo Sosa
DrPH, MPH
President/Executive Director
Latinx Voces
Dra. Paulina Sosa-Quintanilla is the Founder, President and Executive Director of Latinx Voces, a national nonprofit with the goal to amplify all Latino voices and achieve equity in health and cultural representation. Paulina has worked for more than 15 years in public health, including policy, advocacy, data analytics and community outreach. Her work has revolved around infectious disease transmission and epidemic/pandemic preparedness, including influenza and COVID-19. Paulina has also completed her doctorate in the DrPH Public Health Informatics program at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, with a research focus on data informatics, dashboard development, and health equity.
Paulina has worked at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as the Lead Data Analyst in the Influenza team. She has worked with the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), the American Public Health Association (APHA) COVID-19 Response Team, and the Access Smithsonian’s See Me program. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paulina provided consulting services for PAHO and other key partners in data, surveillance, and health communications.
Clarissa Guzman
Logistics Coordinator -Latinx Task Force
Tailored Engagement Coordinator – New York City
Clarissa Guzman is the Logistics Coordinator for Latinx Voces’ Latinx Task Force. Since 2020, she has supported the HACER campaign to address health disparities in the Latinx community during COVID-19. Clarissa helps facilitate national meetings, coordinates with partners, and is co-leading HACER 2.0, expanding the campaign with updated health recommendations. With over five years of experience in health education and workforce development, she now serves as a Tailored Engagement Coordinator in New York City. She designs trainings for community-based organizations focused on health equity and engagement. Clarissa holds an MPH in Social Behavior and Community Health from the University at Albany.
Resources:
If you are interested in accessing the resources for this workshop, you can find them in our hub, Latinx Connect.