(Black PR Wire) Silver Spring, MD –The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 NBNA Vaccine Awareness and Education Grant. Thirteen NBNA chapters have each been awarded $2,000 to implement community-based vaccine

education and outreach initiatives aimed at improving education, access, and vaccine confidence in underserved populations. Applications were accepted from March 1–15, 2025 and evaluated by the Immediate Past President and NBNA Grants Committee Chair, Dr. Martha A. Dawson, Lisa Davis, NBNA Grant Committee Member and Reviewer, and NBNA Executive Director, Tonya Jackson. All funded programs will measure outcomes and prioritize vaccine

equity through culturally responsive health education and outreach.

“This initiative equips our chapters to lead the charge against misinformation and limited access—ensuring our communities receive lifesaving, culturally informed vaccine education,” said Executive Director, Tonya Jackson. “Together, we continue to lead the charge in closing the gap on vaccine disparities in Black and underserved communities.”

Awarded Chapters and Programs:

• West Alabama Black Nurses Association

Chapter President: Dr. Betty A. Key Grant Manager: Alicia Logan

Program: Acknowledge, Educate, Vaccinate: The AEV Project

Focus: Workshops addressing vaccine acceptance in rural, underrepresented areas.

• Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Illinois
• Chapter President: Beatrice Mbaocha

Program: Alliance Angels for Vaccine Equity

Focus: Expanding awareness and vaccine access in underserved communities of color.

• Birmingham Black Nurses Association, Inc.
• Chapter President: Theresa Rodgers
• Chapter Grant Contact: Jennifer Coleman

Program: Promoting Vaccine Education and Awareness in the Community Focus: Preventive vaccine education for children and older adults.

• Capitol City Black Nurses Association
• Chapter President: Sheree Criner
• Chapter Grant Contact: Charde Vance

Program: Knowledge is Protection: Immunity Awareness Drive Focus: Addressing knowledge gaps in underserved communities.

• Central Carolina Black Nurses Council, Inc.
• Chapter President: Kiana Cooper
• Chapter Grant Contact: Katrice Hester

Program: V.I.B.E. – Vaccines, Immunity, Belief, and Empowerment

Focus: Promoting vaccine confidence through culturally relevant education.

• First Coast Black Nurses Association
• Chapter President: Chelsa Fore

Program: Disparities and Vaccine Education

Focus: Advocating for vaccine understanding in Jacksonville, FL.

• Greater Flint Black Nurses’ Association
• Chapter President: Juanita Wells

Program: Community Immunization Awareness

Focus: Educating chapter nurses and local community groups.

• New York Black Nurses Association
• Chapter President: Theresa Lundy
• Chapter Grant Contact: Joelle Jean

Program: Fighting Disinformation: Vaccine Awareness for Seniors

Focus: Enhancing vaccine access and education for underserved seniors.

• Piedmont Black Nurses Association
• Chapter President: Sonia Hart

Program: Let’s Immunize NC

Focus: Culturally competent outreach to address vaccine hesitancy.

• Southeastern Louisiana Black Nurses Association
• Chapter President: Rachel Weary

Program: Louisiana Immunization Listening Project

Focus: Raising awareness about vaccination risks and benefits.

• Southern Nevada Black Nurses Association
• Chapter President: Angela (Angel) Brock
• Chapter Grant Contact: Tracey Johnson – Glover

Program: STI & HPV Awareness Health Fair

Focus: Community vaccine awareness in partnership with Chi Eta Phi.

• South Jersey Chapter of NBNA
• Chapter President: Cheryl Harris
• Chapter Grant Contact: Shahera Washington

Program: Inner City Charter School V

Focus: School-based vaccination outreach in urban communities.

• Tri County Black Nurses of Charleston, SC
• Chapter President: Vanessa Gant-Clark
• Chapter Grant Contact: Mia Barron

Program: Shielding Health: Community-Based Immunization Program

Focus: Addressing vaccine barriers for chronically ill, underserved residents.

NBNA congratulates each chapter on their award and looks forward to the positive impact these programs will bring to communities across the country. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing public health and eliminating vaccine disparities.

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About the National Black Nurses Association:

The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) was founded in 1971 with a mission to provide a

forum for Black nurses to advocate for the improvement of health and healthcare delivery for African Americans and other people of color. NBNA is committed to increasing the number of African

Americans in the nursing profession and to enhancing the educational, professional, and leadership opportunities for Black nurses.