USA Boxing and ASCP Expand Outreach Efforts to Increase Vaccination Among Older Adults and People with Disabilities in Local Communities
by USA Boxing
USA Boxing and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Foundation announced today the launch of “Coaching You Up! KO Flu & COVID.” This community-driven campaign will promote healthy living, access to vaccine education and vaccines for underserved communities including those with aging and disabled populations.
Both organizations will work together to leverage their resources to host community education and vaccination clinics during local, regional and national USA Boxing sanctioned events. This effort was made possible with a sub-grant awarded by USAging’s Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative and funded through the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Implementation of the program will be supported by McUlsky Health Force (MHF) a strategic advocacy firm which focuses on advocacy relations, health care policy and strategic communications.
The organizations are joining forces to prepare a culturally and linguistically coordinated novel effort to ensure their 2023/2024 vaccination outreach activities are effective and complementary across a wide range of communities. Senior care pharmacies and pharmacists will provide education and administer vaccines, compliant with state regulations, prioritizing all eligible older adults and people with disabilities as well as continue to conduct outreach and education to boxing fans, friends and families at a national, state and community level. Both organizations are dedicated to serving all populations, especially those from historically underserved neighborhoods, which include communities of color, LGBTQ+, and Native American; have low incomes or limited English proficiency, and those who live in hard-to-reach rural areas.
“We are very fortunate to rely on the knowledge and experience of senior care pharmacists who can help us provide needed educational materials and access to vaccines for members, fans, friends, families and communities,” said Mike McAtee, Executive Director, CEO of USA Boxing.
“ASCP is unbelievably proud to join USA Boxing to bring vaccine services to local, regional, and national boxing events. Our pharmacies and pharmacists delivered vaccines during the pandemic and with this exciting partnership, they will continue to reach people who want and need vaccines as we get ready for next fall and winter,” said Chad Worz, CEO of ASCP. “Pharmacists that work with older adults recognize the importance of vaccinations, they too want to ‘knock out flu’ and ‘punch out’ COVID in people vulnerable to infections.”
“Being able to meet these athletes, along with their friends and families, in their own communities and to provide them with access to these needed protections is so important,” said Janet McUlsky, President of MHF. “We are thrilled to join this effort to help support good health and wellbeing across the country.”
USA Boxing members should be on the lookout for updates regarding how local and regional events can be part of this program in the coming weeks.
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) is the only international professional society devoted to optimal medication management and improved health outcomes for all older persons. ASCP's members manage and improve drug therapy and improve the quality of life of geriatric patients and other individuals residing in a variety of environments, including nursing facilities, sub-acute care and assisted living facilities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice programs, and home and community-based care.
USA Boxing is the National Governing Body for Olympic-style boxing in the U.S. and a member organization of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee with a network of 200,000 plus people, 51,000 active members, including athletes, coaches, officials, physicians and administrators. USA Boxing sanctions all Olympic-style boxing competitions in the United States. The organization’s mission is to promote and grow US Olympic-style amateur boxing, to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and to enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence.