Since the pandemic began, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths - especially in rural areas. While the new vaccine has brought hope for stemming the crisis, vaccination rates in BIPOC communities are lagging. Some of the factors affecting vaccination rates in communities of color include the inability to access the vaccine and distrust arising out of the medical industry's mistreatment of their communities. 

Join us for this conversation as we examine the implications of the COVID-19 vaccine in BIPOC communities, particularly the historical trauma of vaccines in Black and Indigenous communities, and address the ways philanthropy can respond.

Speakers

Dr. Ben Danielson, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington

Dr. Danielson is a clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, where he received his medical degree in 1992, after completing undergraduate studies at Harvard University. He completed his pediatric residency at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dr. Benjamin Danielson was the Senior Medical Director for the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic (OBCC) until late 2020. He worked there for over 20 years, combining patient care, clinic leadership and community advocacy. Dr. Danielson also serves on various boards of health-related organizations, philanthropic organizations and community groups dedicated to health issues. 
 

In early life, he was rescued from the foster care system by a single mom who instilled in him and his sisters the value of education and community service. The unifying thread in Dr. Danielson’s activities relates to promoting well-being and dignity, especially for communities who have been pushed aside. He has found opportunities within and outside of systems to advocate in partnership with groups and individuals who are dedicated and passionate about creating a better world. 

 

Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson (Yup’ik), President, Alaska Pacific University

Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson is the first woman to lead Alaska Pacific University (APU) that was recently designated as a Tribal University that incorporates Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing. Prior to APU, Valerie served as lieutenant governor of Alaska, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services and senior director of legal and intergovernmental affairs for the Consortium. Valerie currently serves as a trustee for the First Alaskans Institute, commissioner of the Lancet Commission on Arctic Health, Alaska Native Collaborative Hub for Research on Resilience and member of the Foraker Group governance board. Valerie also serves on the Founder’s Council of the United States of Care, a bipartisan organization dedicated to ensuring that every American has access to quality, affordable health care regardless of health status, social need or income. Valerie is an enrolled tribal citizen of the Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council in Bethel.

 

Dr. Judy Monroe, President and CEO, CDC Foundation

Dr. Judith Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, has dedicated her career to protecting people and saving lives. She joined the CDC Foundation in February 2016 as president and CEO, following her role as a deputy director of CDC and director of CDC’s Office of State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support. In her work at the CDC Foundation, Dr. Monroe advances priority programs that improve the health of people around the world and prepare other nations to better prevent, detect and respond to dangerous health threats, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligibility

Participation in this meeting is open to philanthropic organizations that currently make grants. This includes corporate giving offices, private and public foundations, community foundations, government grantmakers and CDFI institutions with a philanthropic focus. You do not need to be a Philanthropy Northwest member to participate, but do need to represent an organizational philanthropic institution. Please do not join this call if you are a nonprofit organization. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Nancy Sanabria.