The New York State Association for Rural Health Joins HHS in New National Public Health Campaign

GOWANDA, NY (10/03/2024) (readMedia)-- The New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) new national campaign-Risk Less. Do More.-to raise awareness of the latest vaccines for influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). NYSARH and HHS will work together to provide important information on these common respiratory viruses and on the latest vaccines to New Yorkers, especially those at highest risk of severe illness.

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV continue to take a heavy toll across the United States. During a 6-month period during the 2023-2024 fall and winter seasons, these infections caused 800,000 hospitalizations. Without immunization, the risk of serious illness remains highest among adults ages 65 and older, residents of long-term care homes, pregnant people, and those living in rural areas. Some U.S. racial and ethnic groups, including individuals identifying as Black and Hispanic, are also at higher risk.

"Our goal at The New York State Association for Rural Health is to support rural health and wellness in communities around the state. NYSARH supports access to healthcare and wellness resources and education to allow all residents to live their healthiest lives," said Liz Urbanski-Farrell MBA, MS, Executive Director of NYSARH. "The Risk Less. Do More. campaign also provides information for people in our communities to learn about the vaccines for these illnesses, which will empower them to make informed decisions for themselves and their family."

As part of the partnership The New York State Association for Rural Health will disseminate printed materials at events, post to social media, and will include campaign information in newsletters.

"HHS is proud to partner with The New York State Association for Rural Health The activities and events we will be collaborating on will help the campaign reach people across the country," said May Malik, deputy assistant secretary for Public Affairs for Public Education at HHS. "As we know, vaccines are our best defense against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Our goal with this partnership is to provide accurate and timely information so that the American people can make informed decisions about getting vaccinated this fall and winter."

Please visit RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov for more information on the Risk Less. Do More. campaign. For additional information on The New York State Association for Rural Health, visit nysarh.org

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About NYSARH. NYSARH serves as the leading voice for rural health in New York State. Our mission is encapsulated in three core actions: Advocate, Support, and Grow. We advocate for policies that benefit rural health, support our members with vital resources and educational opportunities, and work to grow both the capacity of rural health services and the well-being of our communities.

About Risk Less. Do More. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Pan Respiratory Virus (PRV) Public Education Campaign (PEC), Risk Less. Do More., seeks to inform the public about the influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.

The campaign aims to motivate higher uptake of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines during the 2024–2025 season, reducing the public health burden of respiratory viruses for individuals, families, communities, and the nation. Additionally, the campaign will increase public confidence in the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines; cultivate vaccine literacy; and enhance awareness of vaccine accessibility, especially within vulnerable communities. For more information, visit RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov.