East Montgomery Times

Philadelphia County  issued the following announcement on Feb. 23.

Philly Counts is an initiative started in 2019 to support the 2020 Census. The mission of Philly Counts is to engage the community in efforts that promote overall community wellness.  Currently, Philly Counts is working in low-vaccinated neighborhoods around the city. The team works collaboratively with volunteers and partners that talk to their friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of getting vaccinated.

Philly Countscollaborates with neighborhood leaders and community-based organizations to engage people around the COVID-19 vaccine –share information, answer difficult questions, and help people find vaccination opportunities that are close by and convenient.

The work has continued to pivot to critical outreach efforts and initiatives as needed, but the mission of empowering and connecting citizens to affect change in their community has remained the same.

About the Philly Counts Engagement Model

The Philly Counts engagement model is rooted in the power of the network. The work is done by mobilizing and empowering communities to take action that will improve the safety and wellbeing of our neighborhoods. To establish meaningful relationships, Philly Counts utilizes a multi-tiered approach to community outreach, engagement, and education. We use different methods such as canvassing (door knocking), phone/text banking, pop-up vaccine clinics, and a Vaccine Information Champion Training to connect with the community.

“I got vaccinated despite my reservations because I have children to protect, as well as customers at my business. —Shawn, West Philly

Philly Counts’ impact

Since February 2021, the team has been helping the City of Philadelphia achieve its goal of getting residents vaccinated. Here’s a by-the-numbers look:

• Philly Counts engaged over 42,652 residents in 2021!
• Over 216,178 Phone Calls (attempts)
• Nearly 30,000 Text Messages (attempts)
• Over 70,717 Doors Knocked (attempts)
• Trained Over 1,000 Vaccine Information Champions
• Nearly 7,000 email subscribers
• 36 Neighborhood Ambassadors
• Partnered with 107 local organizations through the Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia

“While canvassing I came upon a young lady who had some hesitancy around getting vaccinated. She asked if I was vaccinated, and about the side effects that I experienced. I got to tell her I too was hesitant at first and shared my story on why I decided to get vaccinated. Before we left, we gave her a flyer and shared with her the sheets that debunk the myths of the vaccine and the what to expect sheet as well.” — Mamie, Neighborhood Ambassador.

In the media

• Three press releases and three blogs posts
• 20 Media hits: Inquirer, The Philadelphia Tribune, Bloomberg News, WHYY, 6ABC, CNBC, NBC10, TV Tokyo, Univision,   Patch.com, FOX29, WURD, Al Día.

Learn more about Philly Counts’ impact in their December report. If you would like to volunteer or stay connected with Philly Counts opportunities and other important City events, resources, and updates by signing up for our weekly email!

Original source can be found here.