The City of Fresno has partnered with Reading and Beyond (RAB), West Fresno Family Center (WFFRC), Centro La Familia (CLF), Jakara Movement, Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM), Central Valley Health Policy Institute (CVHPI) and with the County of Fresno Department of Public Health to address the ongoing health disparities in the community, and more specifically the health disparities amplified by Covid-19 pandemic. Community Health Workers (CHWs) have provide support to the communities and have leverage this project to target minority groups who are not participating in vaccination and testing opportunities at the same rate as other groups. According to data collected by the Fresno County Department of Health in 2021 these specific zip codes: 93701, 93702, 93703, 93705, 93706, 93722, 93726 have lagged behind others in vaccination participation. Reading and Beyond will work together with partners to dissimilate health information to disproportionate communities and work with the communities to address concerns as COVID-19 evolves. In addition to COVID-19, Reading and Beyond will also work together in joint effort with partners to bring awareness to chronic health diseases in the City of Fresno. AHL have host health workshop to provide community members education on health literacy, navigate the health care system, and teach participant's tools to become a self-advocator to make better health decision toward their overall health and well-being.
