The Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI) recently held its Best Practices & Stars Awards Ceremony honoring the Dr. Daniel T. Cloud Outstanding Practices and Arizona's Big Shots. TAPI is a nonprofit coalition whose mission is to foster a comprehensive, sustained community program for the immunization of Arizonans against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Southwest Center was honored to be selected as a 2023 Flash Shot Award Winner for our work with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health for the Mpox response from August – November 2022. During this uncertain time with another virus outbreak, our organization was committed to attaining the Mpox vaccine and vaccinating our patient population and the extended community. We fought misinformation about MPox by sharing knowledge as it became available through communication strategies to educate and inform the community about vaccination operations. We also provided space and staffing to support county vaccination efforts.
As the award was presented, TAPI organizers shared, "Southwest Center has established their organization as a trusted source of health information for the community they serve." They added, "The county's vaccination response to the Mpox outbreak would not have been nearly as successful without Southwest Center's collaboration."
As a leading healthcare provider in the region, Southwest Center understands the unique health challenges faced by our community. We remain committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to all, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals works tirelessly to address our community's healthcare needs and promote a wellness culture. We believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and strive to make that a reality every day.
Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and everyone involved in making the Mpox vaccine accessible for those who needed it and for your hard work and dedication to the community during such a challenging time. Here are some ways you can continue to make a positive impact:
Continue to spread awareness about public health issues and the importance of preventative measures such as vaccinations and good hygiene practices.
Consider volunteering with local organizations that focus on community health and well-being.
Share your story with others, as it can inspire and motivate others to get involved and make a difference.
Keep up with the latest developments in public health and be prepared to act quickly and effectively in the event of future outbreaks.
Our commitment to our community is unwavering, and we will continue to advocate for their health needs now and in the future.