By Jennifer D. King

Given that their mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women and children in communities of color, it is not surprising that the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is leading the charge to save lives and championing the fight against COVID-19.

The 10 Northern California Region sections of NCNW (Alameda County, East Bay Area, East Oakland-Hayward, East Palo Alto, Fairfield/Vacaville/Suisun, Golden Gate, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and Vallejo) are partners in the Good Health WINs (Women’s Immunization Networks).

Through their active participation in Good Health WINs, the NorCal sections are working to reduce health disparities, increase vaccination opportunities, vaccination education and identify the drivers of vaccine hesitancy.

NCNW members of the East Bay Area and East Oakland/Hayward Sections at a COVID Vaccination Clinic at Friendship Church in Oakland. Photo courtesy of NCNW.

The NorCal Region has hosted a number of educational webinars aimed at furthering the message that vaccines save lives. Their partnerships with both public and community healthcare providers include the West Oakland Health Council; Touro University Cares; Kaiser Permanente; UC Davis, La Familia; San Francisco African American Faith-Based Coalition; Vaccinate Solano; Sutter Health; and the California Department of Public Health, to host COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics throughout Northern California.

As recognized and trusted messengers, NCNW is joined in their efforts to champion good health in communities of color by national partners that include the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the Continental Societies, the Links, Phi Delta Kappa, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council, National Black Nurses Association, Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Vaccinate Your Family, Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church, and others.

NCNW is one of the oldest and largest African American Women’s organizations. Its membership, some 2,000,000 strong, is largely comprised of community-based and campus sections, and more than 30 national women’s organizations.

NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and social activist. The organization was led by the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height for more than 50 years. Dr. Thelma Daly is the current NCNW national president and James Ella James is the president of the NorCal Region.

NCNW’s programs address critical concerns known as “Four for the Future” and promotes focused education on science, technology, engineering and math; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy and economic stability; educates women about good health and HIV/AIDS; promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice.

Learn more about NCNW, and Good Health WINs at www.norcal-ncnw.org

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