JCGF President And CEO To Provide Key Insights On Collective Trauma Experienced By Older Adult African Americans And COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

S. Orlene Grant selected to be a featured panelist in upcoming JFNA webinar.

Capitol Heights, MD, June 14, 2021: On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, S. Orlene Grant, President & CEO of The Juanita C. Great Foundation (JCGF), will participate in a webinar hosted by The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Center on Aging and Trauma as a presenter, contributing her wealth of knowledge in program development and advocacy. She will be joined by other industry experts in social work, public health, mental health, and more. To participate, interested individuals may register via this link tinyurl.com/yf9dx9sz.

The webinar titled, “Vaccine Reluctance Among Older Adults with a History of Trauma: Diverse Concerns, Trauma-Informed Strategies, and Lessons for the Future” will discuss the ways in which a history of trauma can impact older adults as they age, and how this trauma may contribute to vaccine hesitancy amongst diverse populations of older adults, not only concerning the COVID-19 vaccines, but other immunizations as well. In addition, attendees will also close out the webinar with an improved understanding of the Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care - a holistic approach developed by The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) - and how it can be implemented to address these concerns.

“The issue of vaccine compliance has always been a complex subject even before the COVID-19 pandemic,” said S. Orlene Grant. “As related in John M. Barry’s The Great Influenza, hesitancy to accept treatment and attempts to create a vaccine were met with a various levels of resistance from unsuspected origins.” Communities that have a history of trauma from vaccine trials, political oppression and poverty presents a challenge in creating effective messaging to change behavior. I look forward to a rich discussion as a panel member and gaining new insights on national efforts in tackling this issue.”

About The Jewish Federations of North America

JFNA represents 146 Jewish Federations and over 300 Network communities, which raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually for social welfare, social services, and educational needs. The Federation movement, collectively among the top 10 charities on the continent, protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice), and Torah (Jewish learning). To learn more about how we advance Holocaust Survivor Care, visit www.holocaustsurvivorcare.org.

About the Juanita C. Grant Foundation 

The Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) provides education and training, advocacy and research addressing economic insecurity, workforce development and quality of life challenges for the 50+ community. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for the 50+ through economic workforce development, education, and training.

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