Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott recently recognized the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, praising its critical work – alongside roughly two dozen other partners – during the city’s COVID-19 Community Mobile Vaccine Program, which wrapped up at the end of 2024.
During the COVID pandemic, CCP and partners worked to ensure widespread awareness and access to COVID-19 vaccines and resources across Baltimore. Other partners include the Baltimore City Fire Department, Civic Works, Comité Latino and many more.
As the pandemic unfolded, CCP helped develop comprehensive materials that explained vaccine safety, COVID testing resources, and vaccine access for all residents, including those who were homebound.
“On behalf of the people of Baltimore, I am pleased to present this certificate in recognition of your partnership and extraordinary contributions to the Baltimore City Health Department’s Community Mobile Vaccination program,” reads the citation from the mayor. “You are to be commended for your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to provide quality care and protect and uplift the health of our residents. On behalf of the people of Baltimore, thank you for your efforts to build a healthier and more resilient city!”
As part of the COVID-19 work, CCP developed extensive provider toolkits that included counseling guides and client-facing materials, which were distributed throughout the city. The materials were used by vaccine ambassadors and community health workers to help residents understand the importance of vaccination, navigate changing health guidelines, and access critical services.
“This work required constant coordination and pivoting as federal, state, and local guidelines evolved, ensuring that Baltimore’s most vulnerable populations remained informed and supported during an unprecedented public health crisis,” says August Summers, who leads CCP’s Baltimore work. “By maintaining consistent messaging and following strict health literacy guidelines, we all worked together to build community trust and increase vaccine awareness during a challenging time.”
The mayor’s recognition comes several years after the initial COVID-19 response, with the project’s primary funding ending in December 2024.
The certificate represents a formal appreciation of the collaborative efforts that helped Baltimore navigate the challenging pandemic landscape. The acknowledgment serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to community health and the critical role of partnerships during unprecedented public health challenges.
“It has truly been a collective effort, and we are immensely grateful for everyone who played a vital role in the program’s success,” Summers says. “We are deeply grateful for clinical partners, outreach organizations, mini-grant recipients, and hundreds of community organizations partners.”
