Strategy
Collaborate with tribal leaders to develop a plan for equitable vaccine allocation and distribution for high-risk communities. Create a platform to share ideas, resources, and best practices for reaching vulnerable populations.
Challenge
There was a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines and a need for equitable distribution, especially in tribal communities. Vaccine distribution in these communities required consideration and acknowledgment of tribal sovereignty. To accomplish these goals, tribal leaders and community members had to be incorporated into the planning process. Community members could educate and collaborate with the immunization program members to develop effective and equitable strategies.
Solution
This partnership was aimed at targeting tribal members, tribal leaders, clinic providers, regional NW states, and Urban Health Organization to ensure that plans to vaccinate tribal communities were culturally sensitive and effective. The Washington Department of Health and the American Indian Health engaged in weekly virtual meetings to discuss strategies and challenges to vaccine access in high-risk populations. These meetings were a forum for open discussion, allowing American Indian Health Commission to guide vaccine allocation and distribution in tribal communities. State and federal funds funded these meetings and collaboration efforts.
Outcome
The partnership involved collaboration and input from the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, the Indian Health Services, and the Tribal Urban Indian Health Immunization Coalition. The efforts of these organizations allowed for the creation of targeted strategies for high-risk populations. These meetings allowed the Washington Department of Health to develop culturally competent strategies for increasing vaccine compliance and uptake in tribal populations.