Is your small business ready?

What is HealthWorks?

HealthWorks is an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to build COVID-19 vaccine confidence in Georgia and Tennessee. The HealthWorks Consortium is led by Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and ASHLIN Management Group. HealthWorks participants learn how their business can build its capacity to protect its workers, strengthen workers’ COVID-19 resilience, and address future public health challenges. Upon completion, a select group of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) will receive reliable resources, incentives, and be recognized as healthier places to work.

Interested in Joining and/or Referring Others to the HealthWorks Program

Click the Link Below

HealthWorks: The Podcast, #04 — Small Business Impact

HealthWorks Program Overview

What are the goals of the program?

The primary goal of the program is to reduce health disparities and advance health equity by:

• Strengthening COVID-19 vaccine confidence through trusted, culturally appropriate information
• Increasing access to vaccine and booster shots for diverse, medically underserved populations
• Building the capacity of MBEs to protect their workers and strengthen their COVID-19 resilience
• Providing a sustainable model that businesses can build on to address future public health challenges

Why are Georgia and Tennessee considered at risk states?

According to the John Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center (JHCRC), Georgia and Tennessee have experienced higher than average rates of COVID-19 infection and deaths relative to other U.S. states. Both states have large minority populations and high rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. As of April 5, 2022, Georgia has had 2.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 37,127 confirmed deaths. During the same period in Tennessee, there were 2.0 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 25,623 confirmed deaths. In Georgia and Tennessee only 55.4% and 55.1% respectively of the state population are fully vaccinated.

How will HealthWorks benefit my business?

Business leaders know their company’s success depends on having a healthy and productive workforce. Your participation in HealthWorks provides your company and employees with the knowledge and resources to create a COVID-19 resilient workplace. Your participation in the program also demonstrates your commitment to your employees’ wellbeing and signals your company’s commitment to being a great place to work and an advocate for community health.

Are there incentives for MBE engagement?

Up to 200 MBEs are eligible to receive $1,000 for completing the Small Business Health Ambassador (SBHA) training on a Digital Learning Platform (DLP) and participating in regional collaboration hubs. MBEs are also eligible for an additional $1,000 for providing proof of 100 vaccinations associated with their HealthWorks efforts.

Who is eligible to participate?

The HealthWorks program supports MBEs in Georgia and Tennessee who have a commitment to the health and well-being of their employees and the community in which they operate. Participating MBEs must have 2 or more employees and assign one person from their organization to serve as a SBHA. The SBHA will complete an online training program on how to implement an effective COVID-19 business preparedness and resilience program within their organization.

What is the training program?

Businesses that participate in the HealthWorks program will have an opportunity to enroll in 1 of 3 of the following training cohorts:

• Cohort 1: Begins May 2, 2022
• Cohort 2: Begins June 6, 2022
• Cohort 3: Begins July 11, 2022

To perform the training, the SBHA will be granted access to the HealthWorks DLP that encompasses self-paced training and technical assistance modules. The HealthWorks training program will provide the SBHA with the knowledge and tools they need to educate and engage their coworkers about COVID-19 and the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted. At the program’s conclusion, your company will be designated as a HealthWorks-certified business doing its part to protect employees and the community.

Will there be a community of practice?

Upon completion of the training, each SBHA will be assigned to one of six HealthWorks Small Business Hubs led by a local Morehouse School of Medicine Health Outreach Worker. Hub assignments will be based on regional groupings of participating MBEs. Each Hub will serve as a community for participating businesses to collaborate, plan, exchange information, and share resources.

What will be achieved through the HealthWorks Program?

More than 200 MBEs trained to boost their COVID-19 resilience by increasing vaccine confidence and vaccination rates for their workers and local community.

For questions and support Contact healthworksupport@ashlininc.com

• Dominic Berger, DLP Technical Assistance
• Kokayi Olushola, Small Business Liaison Assistance
• Kathy Winstanley, Online Training Assistance