The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit and the sole entity created by Congress to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s critical health protection work.
In a recent article the CDC Foundation recognized one of our local organizations for excellence. The organization, BABY B.A.C.K. INC. (BBI), as examples of capacity building in action. The following is what was written about this local organization making a difference in our community.
BABY B.A.C.K. INC. (BBI), a community health and wellness organization in Syracuse, NY, requested support to establish a partnership with the Onondaga County and the New York State Health Departments. The CBO wanted to become involved in vaccination pop-ups and clinics in the community and learn how to obtain funding for its programs. Technical Assistance Officer Lead Jo-Ann Hoye arranged and hosted introduction meetings between BBI and both local and state health departments and provided information on ways to prepare the organization to receive funding.
Last year, technical assistance from the CDC Foundation played a role in the development of a BABY B.A.C.K. video promoting a #MaskOn2021 Challenge for K-6 students in New York State. The agency received a prestigious Communicator Award of Excellence from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for that engaging video. Watch the BABY B.A.C.K. video promoting a #MaskOn2021 Challenge:
Video #MaskOn2021Challenge – BABY B.A.C.K. INC
These meetings resulted in BBI being invited to join the Onondaga County Health Department’s COVID Community Task Force and a partnership to provide community outreach and awareness and increase vaccination rates.
The CBO also implemented suggestions regarding ways to become “fundable” and recently received a grant of $125,000. “Thanks to the CDC Foundation, my agency was able to connect with local departments of health, to provide education, outreach and vaccine administration in black and brown communities in Syracuse,” said President and CEO Gerald Seals.
