NYC Public Health Corps
The Public Health Corps is a city-wide effort to expand the public health workforce by partnering with community groups and community health workers to eliminate COVID-19 inequities through outreach and education. It is active in over 75 NYC ZIP codes and includes about 35 community groups.
The NYC Health Department has partnered with well-established community-based and faith-based organizations. These organizations are able to tailor their COVID-19 outreach and education based on the needs of the local community.
Community members receive culturally relevant materials and access to in-person activities and virtual events that address COVID-19 misinformation. Members are also able to get referrals for COVID-19 prevention, testing and vaccination services.
Accomplishments
The Public Health Corps was launched in September 2021 and has since:
- Connected more than 1,057,577 people to vaccination sites
- Distributed about 2,628,943 KN95 masks and at least 607,325 rapid COVID-19 test kits
Each week, our partners hold events that engage tens of thousands of community members across the city. This outreach provides residents with vaccination, testing and social service referrals, as well as masks and educational material.
As of January 5, 2023, in NYC, 89% of adults and 45% of eligible children have completed their primary series, and 12% of NYC residents have received a bivalent booster. 24% of NYC residents ages 65 and older have received a bivalent booster.
As of January 5, 2023:
- 78% of all residents completed primary vaccination in Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE) ZIP codes, compared to 83% of residents completed primary vaccination in non-TRIE ZIP codes.
- 47% of 5- to 12-year-olds completed primary vaccination, compared to 55% of 5- to 12-year-olds completed primary vaccination in non-TRIE ZIP codes.
- 5- to 12-year-old vaccination rates, by borough, in TRIE and Non-TRIE ZIP codes are as follows:
- Bronx: 45% in TRIE, 52% in Non-TRIE
- Brooklyn: 43% in TRIE, 41% in Non-TRIE
- Manhattan: 57% in TRIE, 99% in Non-TRIE
- Queens: 52% in TRIE, 62% in Non-TRIE
- Staten Island: 41% in TRIE, 34% in Non-TRIE
For the most recent data on COVID-19 vaccines in NYC, visit COVID-19: Data on Vaccines.
Goals and Initiatives
The Corps aims to:
- Reduce gaps in COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates by race/ethnicity, place of residence and age.
- Expand access to care, services, resources and investment in communities most impacted by COVID-19.
- Improve long-term community recovery from COVID-19 and health equity.
- Build vaccine confidence.
If you have questions or would like to join the Public Health Corps, email publichealthcorps@health.nyc.gov.
Resources for Members
- Free trainings and events are available to all partners. They can also access our:
- COVID-19 Materials
Additional Resources
- NYC Public Health Corps (PDF)
- COVID-19 Health Equity Through Collective Action: Year-end Impact Report (PDF)
- COVID-19 Health Equity Through Collective Action: Midyear Impact Report (PDF)
- Resolution of the NYC Board Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis (PDF)
- COVID-19 Health Equity Through Collective Action: Phase 1 Impact Report (PDF)
- COVID-19 Resources:
- COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months to 4 Years Old FAQ (PDF)
- COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 5 to 17 Years Old FAQ (PDF)
- NYC H+H: Long COVID
- Post-COVID Care Clinics (PDF)
- NYC H+H: COVID-19 Treatment
- COVID-19 Treatments Are Available (PDF)
- What To Do If You Have COVID-19 Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Register for an At-Home COVID-19 Vaccination
- COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator
- COVID-19 Test to Treat Sites in NYC