PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (February 2, 2022) Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) College of Nursing (CON) students have been integral in the administration of the vaccine. With the recent Texas A&M University Health Science Center and Texas Department of State Health Services award of $132,609, clinical assistant professor Antonea’ Jackson, Ph.D., RN, CNE, aims to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in targeted communities.
Ironically, the influenza pandemic of 1918 and the need for care specifically for African Americans was the impetus for establishing the College of Nursing. Over one hundred years later, Jackson
is doing similar work.
“PVAMU and the CON have a unique perspective, expertise, and sphere of influence, and we should be directly involved in research that affects our community.”, said Jackson when asked about the significance of the project.
For Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E, MBA, vice president, PVAMU Research & Innovation, he applauds Jackson for pursuing a timely research project that will impact and, perhaps, save lives.
“Prairie View A&M College of Nursing has played an integral part in the health and care of others for 100 years,” Rajan said. “It is an astounding accomplishment for Dr. Jackson to be selected by TAMU Health Science Centner and state health services to study and provide timely healthcare for residents who are often underserved, which could be life-saving.”
Jackson states,” This is my first award as the principal investigator, so I am looking forward to learning and engaging in the process in this role. More importantly, I am excited to educate, provide accurate information, dispel myths, and ultimately influence and improve the health of persons who look like me.”
The Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach and Education project allows nursing students to engage with the community to provide education and meet people where they are to influence health choices. It aims to increase knowledge of and access to COVID-19 vaccines, explicitly targeting communities impacted by the disease disproportionately.
The funding allows for expanding community engagement efforts and developing educational resources to educate communities about COVID-19 vaccines. The project has support from several experts from the CON, including co-principal investigators Ruby Benjamin-Gardner, Ph.D. MPH; Sheila Harvin, Ph.D., RN, CNS-P/MH; Hilda Eagleton, DNP, RN; and Jerrel Moore, Ph.D.
The co-investigator for this vital research is Debbie Jones, Ph.D., RN. The assembled group will work closely with the Faculty Grant Team, consisting of Stacy Sam, Ph.D., RN, MSN, MPH; Pamela Cormier, DNP, MHA, RN; and Cindy Wallace, MSN, FNP-BC, AAHIVS, all within the College of Nursing.
Jackson will reach targeted communities to increase vaccination rates through 1) community-based vaccination events, 2) developing evidence-based educational resources and virtual events to address vaccine hesitancy and other barriers to vaccination, and 3) collaboration with influential stakeholders and community partners.
The project aligns with Jacksons’ research interests, including the cultural competence of nurse educators and reducing health disparities through increasing diversity in nursing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected African Americans and communities of color.
Jackson maintains, “There is a great need for healthcare workers, specifically nurses, to reflect the population to address the healthcare needs of a diverse population. To be awarded support for what I consider critical work to increase vaccination rates and provide culturally sensitive information specifically to those within our community is so very exciting.”
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Karen B. Cotton