Scranton Primary Health Care Center Participates in the COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador Grant Program

Scranton Primary Health Care Center has been selected as a COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador Program grant recipient.

Surgo Ventures recently announced the expansion of its COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador Program, available now in 13 community health organizations with more than 70 individual clinics across eight
states. The program has the potential to reach 20,000 people who otherwise may not receive a
COVID-19 vaccine and has been implemented in partnership with Uber Health and the Vaccine Access Fund, which is managed by LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation).

The incentive program encourages vaccinated patients at participating clinics to tap their social
networks and existing, trusted relationships to have conversations about COVID-19 vaccination. As a
“vaccine ambassador” these patients receive $20 when they text at least three unvaccinated friends or family members and urge them to get vaccinated or bring an unvaccinated person to the clinic for
vaccination. Uber Health transportation to the vaccination appointment can also be arranged by
Scranton Primary as part of this unique endeavor.’

“This program is a prime example of our ability to combine rigorous behavioral science research with
real-world interventions designed to change behavior and promote health equity,” said Hannah Kemp,
Surgo Ventures Vice President of Impact and Growth. “And it has immense potential to be used for any other vaccination or public health campaign.”

The program also equips clinic staff to be vaccine ambassadors by providing a set of personalized,
behavioral science-based scripts for staff to use during interactions with unvaccinated patients.
“We are confident the Surgo Ventures Vaccine Ambassador Program will help us encourage more
people to get vaccinated and protected against COVID-19,” said Joseph H. Hollander, Scranton
Primary Health Care Center CEO. “…we welcome all members of the community to visit our clinic to
learn how to become a vaccine ambassador and participate in this unique opportunity.

Scranton Primary Health Care Center is a Federally Qualified Health Care Center providing quality care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Services include pediatrics, family and internal medicine, women’s health, pre-natal and postpartum services, gynecology, infectious disease care, behavioral health, general dentistry, and ACA counselors to assist people navigating the insurance marketplace. The center is located at 959 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton.