Public Awareness Initiatives Research Articles

Awareness of prostate cancer and its associated factors among male patients attending care in the urology unit at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundGlobally, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. It is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Symptoms may be non-specific and may not present...

Invasive Species and their Impacts on the Ecology of Lake Victoria: A Rapid Review

Lake Victoria, one of Africa's largest freshwater lakes, has been severely impacted by invasive species, leading to significant ecological changes and threatening the region's biodiversity and socio-economic well-being. Two prominent invasive species in Lake Victoria are the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The introduction of the Nile Tilapia has disrupted the native fish community through competition, predation, and habitat alteration, resulting in declines in native species and altering the trophic dynamics of the ecosystem. Water hyacinth, on the other hand, forms dense mats that impede sunlight penetration, reduce water quality, and hinder the movement of native species. These invasive species have cascading effects on the lake's food web, water clarity, oxygen levels, and overall ecosystem health. Addressing the impacts of invasive species in Lake Victoria requires integrated management approaches that combine prevention, early detection, and control measures. Strategies such as mechanical removal, biological control, and targeted herbicide use have been employed to mitigate the spread and impact of invasive species. Additionally, habitat restoration and public awareness initiatives are crucial for long-term conservation and sustainable management of the lake. Continuous scientific research and monitoring efforts are necessary to understand the dynamics of invasive species and their impacts, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies. Efforts to combat invasive species in Lake Victoria should be undertaken in a collaborative manner, involving government agencies, researchers, local communities, and other stakeholders. By implementing comprehensive management plans and promoting responsible practices, it is possible to restore the ecological balance of Lake Victoria, protect its rich biodiversity, and safeguard the livelihoods of communities that depend on its resources.

Implementing green facades: A step towards sustainable smart buildings

As cities around the globe strive towards becoming “smart” and sustainable, the integration of green facades into smart building design has emerged as a viable solution to address several environmental challenges. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of current research and applications in green facades, analyzing their role in enhancing energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and contributing to overall building sustainability. The impact of green facades on reducing energy consumption, through natural insulation and shading, is explored in-depth, alongside their role in air purification and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban environments. Despite the potential of green facades, several gaps between theory and practice exist, including challenges in implementation, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. This paper identifies these barriers and provides a robust discussion of potential solutions, which include technological innovations, policy support, and public awareness initiatives. Ultimately, the integration of green facades in smart buildings presents a significant step forward in creating sustainable urban environments, necessitating further research and action in this realm.

An environmental DNA assay for the detection of Critically Endangered angel sharks (Squatina spp.)

Abstract The three sympatric angel shark species occurring in the Mediterranean – Squatina squatina (the angelshark), Squatina aculeata (the sawback angelshark), and Squatina oculata (the smoothback angelshark) – are all classed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. There is a clear need to better quantify their current status, using appropriate non‐destructive methods, to help inform future conservation measures. This study introduces an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay able to detect and distinguish S. aculeata, S. oculata, and S. squatina in the Mediterranean Sea by combining probe‐based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology and Sanger sequencing. The assay targets a 173‐bp barcode in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. It was tested in silico, in vitro on tissue‐extracted DNA, and on eDNA extracted from filtration samples. This genus‐specific assay was applied to detect the presence of S. squatina in eDNA samples collected in Corsica, France. The target barcode was found in seven of 76 eDNA samples, revealing the presence of S. squatina in north‐western Corsica, where the shark has never been observed, and confirming its existence on the eastern coast. The study also demonstrates that using eDNA sampling, based on 30 L of seawater filtered close to the substrate with a waterproof peristaltic pump, it was possible to detect the eDNA of this rare benthic species. The results of detection can help identify critical areas for angel shark conservation and facilitate the development of local public awareness initiatives. This novel qPCR assay should be used for future applications in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic targeting angel sharks to better identify the remaining populations. In this study the qPCR assay was applied for S. squatina eDNA, but application to S. aculeata and S. oculata still needs to be validated in the field.

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Technologies in Malaysia: A Short Review

The aim of this study was to evaluate different municipal wastewater treatment technologies for commercial use and develop an optimized system for a case study plant and future plant designs. Municipal wastewater, classified as a low-strength waste stream, can be treated using aerobic and anaerobic reactor systems or a combination of both. Aerobic systems are suitable for low-strength wastewaters, while anaerobic systems are suitable for high-strength wastewaters. Malaysia has actively implemented various wastewater treatment technologies to address the increasing demand for clean water and reduce environmental pollution. Some commonly used technologies in Malaysia include Activated Sludge Process (ASP), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR). These technologies show promise in removing emerging pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which are not effectively eliminated by conventional treatment methods. Additionally, Malaysia could consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power wastewater treatment plants, thereby reducing reliance on non-renewable energy and supporting sustainable development. It is also important to emphasize continued public awareness and education initiatives to promote responsible wastewater disposal practices and environmental stewardship.

Prevalence of Stunting, wasting and underweight among Santal children of Galudih, Purbi Singbhum district, Jharkhand, India

The objective of this study was to assess the differences in body stature (height), body weight, and frequency of stunted, wasted, and underweight children of the Santal ethnicity in Galudih area, Purbi Singbhum, Jharkhand, India. The study included 400 children (200 girls and 200 boys) aged between 3 and 6 years old. Stunting, wasting, and underweight were evaluated using < -2 z-scores for H-A-Z (Height-for-age), W-A-Z (weight-for-age), and W-H-Z (weight-for-height) based on the reference values recommended by the NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics). The results revealed substantial age differences in mean body weight and height for both boys and girls, with boys having significantly higher weight than girls across all ages. The mean H-A-Z, W-A-Z, and W-H-Z values were lower than those reported by NCHS for all age groups and both sexes. The overall frequency of stunting, wasting, and being underweight was higher among girls compared to boys. The combined incidences of stunting, wasting, and underweight due to sex and age were 25.3%, 12.0%, and 31.8%, respectively. Using the WHO criteria for judging the austerity of malnutrition, the incidence of wasting (9-15%) was found to be high, while the overall frequency of stunting (24-27%) was medium, and underweight was very high (30%). In conclusion, the occurrence of undernourishment of Santal children in this study was concerning, and there is an urgent need for improved supplementary nutritional programs and public health awareness initiatives within this community.

PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND MEDICINAL USES OF CARICA PAPAYA (LINN.): A REVIEW

The plant world is the gold mine of contemporary medicine because of the abundance of bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites it contains. In fact, it is a therapeutic and preventative dietary supplement that helps the body resist disease and age more gracefully. The papaya (Carica papaya L.), featured above, is an associate of the Caricaceae family and is widely regarded for its useful nutritional and therapeutic benefits around the world. Papaya's nutritional and medicinal value comes from its many parts, including its leaves, roots, skin, fruit, and seeds. It thrives in warm, humid climates and is widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics. This review aims to synthesize, by the end of 2022, data on papaya's functional activity culled from electronic sources, including Dimensions, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Science Direct. Papaya is a good dietary supplement because of the wealth of research detailing the plant's utilization of many medicinal chemicals. Numerous vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, including papain, glycylendopeptidase, chymopapain, and caricain, can be found in plant extracts, notably those made from the fruits and leaves. These chemicals have anticancer actions; reduce inflammation, hyperglycemia, infertility, hypertension problems, and more thanks to their intriguing nutraceutical qualities. Papaya seeds peel, and leave have medical promise, but additional study is needed to determine dosage, mechanism of action, and safety profile. Therefore, this review urges the implementation of public health awareness initiatives to encourage the consumption of papaya so that the general public can reap the fruit's full potential in preventing and treating disease. Keywords : Nutraceuticals, Carica papaya, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Phytochemicals, Traditional medical system, Bio-pharmacological potency

Awareness level, knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer among staff and students of Hail University, Saudi Arabia.

Awareness of screening procedures and illness warning signals is critical for expanding and implementing screening programs in society, which would improve the odds of early identification of breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and practices related to breast cancer risk factors, signs, symptoms and methods of screening among female faculty and students at Hail University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 through February 2021 in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia. A closed-ended questionnaire, which consisted of 37 questions, was distributed online (using a Google Forms link) in both English and Arabic languages. Data was collected from 425 female subjects who participated in the study. The study showed an overall knowledge level of 46.36% regarding breast cancer. Participants had average knowledge about risk factors, signs, and symptoms, whereas their awareness and practice of breast self-examination and screening methods were weak. The current study concluded that public awareness of breast cancer remains relatively low, and Saudi Arabia still needs several public awareness initiatives using mass media, such as television, the Internet, and radio, as well as social media. Special awareness programs should also be held in places where a large number of women can easily be reached, such as colleges, universities, and hospitals.

Factors associated with the completion of antenatal care in Indonesia: A cross-sectional data analysis based on the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Survey.

The global incidence of maternal mortality remains high, including in Indonesia, and the utilization of antenatal care services can help reduce these rates. Despite numerous studies examining factors affecting antenatal care utilization, there has been limited focus on identifying factors related to the completion of these services. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with the completion of antenatal care in Indonesia. The study used a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from the Basic Health Research conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Health in March 2018. The sample consisted of 65,929 pregnant women aged 15 to 49. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis. The majority of respondents (75.2%) completed antenatal care. Factors significantly correlated with antenatal care completion were education level, occupation status, health insurance ownership, place of antenatal care services, travel time to health facilities, area of residence, history of pregnancy, parity, desired pregnancy, and pregnancy complications (p <0.05). The multiple logistic regression test showed that education level was the most dominant factor associated with antenatal care completion (p <0.001, OR = 2.023, 95% CI = 1.839-2.225). Completion of antenatal care is influenced by various factors, including education, job status, health insurance ownership, antenatal care services' location, travel time to health facilities, residence area, previous pregnancy history, number of children, desired pregnancy, and pregnancy complications. However, education is crucial in determining a mother's understanding and approach toward using these services. The Indonesian government should enhance public education and awareness initiatives to increase utilization. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and midwives, play a vital role in educating pregnant women about the significance of utilizing prenatal care services consistently and facilitating their access to these services efficiently.

Editorial

From Editor’s Desk… A few examples of emerging viruses that are posing a serious threat to public health and receiving international attention are the avian influenza virus, Ebola, the coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and the coronavirus that causes Middle East respiratory disease (MERS). The world has been battling to recover from COVID-19 up until this moment. However, there are fresh challenges that are emerging, which is alarming. From July 4 to October 13, 2023, the Kankan region located in east-central Guinea reported a total of 538 cases of diphtheria. A total of 520 cases were suspected, out of which 18 were confirmed, resulting in 58 deaths, including 13 confirmed deaths. The predominant age group of patients were within the range of 1 to 4 years. There is an outbreak of dengue in Chad, according to the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention. Eight health districts spread over four provinces reported 1,342 suspected cases as of October 1st, of which 41 were confirmed. From September 12 to 15, 2023, the Kozhikode district in Kerala witnessed six laboratory-confirmed cases of the Nipah virus, including two deaths, according to the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The infectious pathogens that are spreading continue to pose a threat to public safety. However, there are also typical approaches to deal with the issue, like epidemiological studies, public awareness initiatives, and effective public health systems. Source: World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Khalid Mohammed Alabdulwahhab Editor in Chief

Optimizing Urban Mobility: Innovative Sloped Road Design for Fuel Efficiency and Safety

In this paper, an urban road design concept is proposed that introduces gentle slopes along straight roads to optimize fuel efficiency between signalized intersections. These calculated inclines leverage gravitational forces, reducing vehicle fuel consumption. At signal crossings, a deliberate reversal of slope mitigates depth accumulation concerns, promoting safe intersection navigation. Smooth transition zones enhance road stability and drain depth adjustments accommodate stormwater management. Collaborative efforts with experts and public awareness initiatives are vital for successful implementation. This innovative concept combines technical precision, safety considerations, and environmental sustainability, offering a holistic approach to urban road design for enhanced efficiency and user experience.

Examine How Microplastics and Macroplastics in Freshwater and Marine Habitats Affect Aquatic Species and Ecosystems

This research examines the effects of microplastics and macroplastics on aquatic organisms and ecosystems in both freshwater and marine environments. The issue of plastic pollution has emerged as a significant global environmental challenge, as evidenced by the escalating presence of microplastics (particles smaller than 5 millimeters) and macroplastics (larger plastic waste) in aquatic ecosystems. The presence of these plastics can result in adverse consequences for various forms of aquatic organisms, ranging from minuscule plankton to sizable marine mammals, hence causing disturbances to the intricate equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems. This study examines the sources, distribution, and accumulation patterns of microplastics and macroplastics in freshwater and marine environments, emphasizing the widespread presence of plastic pollution. This study investigates the various processes by which aquatic organisms engage with plastics, encompassing ingestion, entanglement, and the absorption of hazardous compounds linked to plastics. Moreover, the present study investigates the ecological ramifications of plastic pollution, including its impact on trophic interactions, modifications to habitat composition, and disturbances to nutrient flow within aquatic ecosystems. The paper also addresses the potential long-term consequences on biodiversity and ecosystem services, highlighting the importance of conducting thorough evaluations of the ecological impact of plastic pollution. This study investigates various ways for mitigating and managing the issue at hand, including the examination of regulatory interventions, enhancements in waste management practices, and the implementation of public awareness initiatives. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of interdisciplinary research and global collaboration in tackling this pressing matter. This study offers a thorough examination of the existing body of literature, yielding significant findings regarding the intricate interplay among microplastics, macroplastics, aquatic organisms, and ecosystems. The aforementioned statement emphasizes the imperative nature of addressing plastic pollution in order to preserve aquatic environments, protect biodiversity, and secure the long-term sustainability of these crucial ecosystems for future generations.

Public Health Implications: A Scoping Review of Opioid Prevention Programs Among Adolescents

Opioid misuse and its attendant negative consequences remain a public health challenge. This is true among all sectors of the population, and, in the U.S., it has impacted adolescent health in sometimes fatal ways. As a result, the public health sector has sought mechanisms for preventing opioid misuse, with school-based interventions emerging as one of the most viable options for intervening early and effectively. School-based substance use interventions have proven effective when implemented using a repertoire of effective strategies, however, it is unclear if those strategies have been equally effective in combatting adolescent opioid misuse. This scoping review explores school- and community- based intervention programs as well as national public awareness initiatives that support adolescent opioid education. Identification of Evidence-Based Programs (EAP) that target opioid education for adolescents has proven to be most elusive; it is our belief that no such EAP exists. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate current opioid prevention efforts in hopes to determine whether we have the appropriate tools to combat this public health issue.

Human monkeypox's Evolving Epidemiology: Is it a Threat?

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Poxviridae family. Avoid close contact with animals, whether they are living or dead, especially in endemic areas where this could be a source of infection transmission to healthy people. Separate sick people from those who might be contaminated. Frontline medical staff should be instructed and trained to rigorously adhere to traditional safety practices when dealing with verified or suspected cases. At the nation's entry and exit points, vaccination booths should be placed in order to stop the global spread of this contagious disease. Through extensive public awareness initiatives, people should be informed about sickness prevention, risk factors, and treatments. The public health departments of every nation should be alert for any signs that someone may be suffering from an unusual rash.

Dementia literacy in an ageing world.

This discursive article aims to capture and explore the most pertinent nursing aspects of dementia literacy (DL). Older people constitute a rapidly increasing proportion of the global population, experiencing higher risk of developing chronic disease, including dementia. It is important that older adults receive and understand reliable health-related information, as age-related changes may affect the level of health literacy in an older person. It has been suggested that older adults may have poorer health literacy than younger adults, associated with poorer health outcomes. Health literacy, how people receive, interpret and act on health information, play a significant role in dementia-related disorders, both as a possible predicter of onset of dementia and as a potential modifier of cognitive decline. Dementia literacy constitutes one aspect of health literacy in relation to nursing care, related to knowledge of dementia-related disorders and approaches towards older people with dementia. This discursive article explores the importance of DL for the nursing profession, including dementia-related assessment, education and interventions. This article is informed by analysis of relevant descriptive and empirical literature and policy documents related to DL, an increasingly important aspect of dementia-related nursing care. Valid assessment tools that can accurately assess aspects an individuals' DL are examined; these have the potential to help nurses detect dementia-related symptoms. With early detection and prevention of dementia, older people may have better chance of benefiting from evolving treatment options. Greater attention needs to be given to the issue of DL in older people, especially in terms of nursing assessment and care. Globally, increased DL-related education is urgently required to improve knowledge of this concept; this includes public awareness initiatives to better understanding this chronic condition. Enhancing DL has the potential to empower older people to have greater access to healthcare services and to make more informed decisions about their health care. No patient or public contribution, as this is a discursive article.

Retrospective Review of Unintentional Pediatric Cannabis Poisonings in Saskatchewan after Federal Legalization

Background: With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, safety concerns for children should be considered. Despite packaging and dose regulations for edibles and inhaled cannabis, unintentional poisonings are a clinical risk, and its impact on pediatric healthcare resources have not been clearly delineated. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional chart review evaluated all patients &lt; 19 years presenting to Saskatchewan’s only pediatric trauma center between January 1st, 2020 to June 30th, 2021 with unintentional poisoning. Cannabis and non-cannabis unintentional poisonings were compared using difference of squares and Fisher’s exact test. Results: There were fifty-two unintentional poisonings during the study period, with a mean age of 2.45 years (SD 2.11). Thirty one percent (n=16) were cannabis related, with edibles accounting for at least 63% (n=10) of those admissions. More than 40 percent were transferred from rural communities with an average transport distance of 160 kilometers. Over 18% (n=3) percent were admitted to PICU with no requirement for intubation or vasoactive medications. Conclusions: Since legalization, one third of Saskatchewan’s pediatric unintentional poisonings were due to cannabis, largely from edible ingestions. An increased public awareness and federal government initiatives may attenuate the risk of these ingestions.

Policies and practices of climate change education in South Asia: towards a support framework for an impactful climate change adaptation

South Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change. While it has contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, the people in the region face imminent threats to their health and well-being due to extreme weather events and a range of other climate-induced challenges, such as biodiversity loss and monsoon floods. Climate change education (CCE), if properly implemented, can prove to be vital in addressing such challenges and in helping people make informed decisions on adaptation strategies. To this end, this paper explores how CCE is addressed in the climate policies of South Asian countries. The paper also explores the implementation and operationalization of these policies within the respective countries. A content analysis of the climate policies of member states was conducted for the period 2007–2021. The findings revealed that climate change education has been highlighted within individual policies pertaining to formal and informal education, research and development, and public awareness initiatives. However, a gap analysis between policies and practices reveals that significant work is still needed for the effective implementation of policies supporting CCE at local levels. The current study seeks to contextualize these gaps by situating them within the relevant theoretical backdrops. In doing so, the research aims to make a meaningful contribution to the understanding of how CCE can be effectively deployed and delivered towards an impactful climate change adaptation, building on a support framework.Graphical

Impact of Mass Media on the General Population's Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Rheumatoid Arthritis in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Objectives This study aimed to assess the general population's knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), its health consequences, and the impact ofmass media on their knowledge and attitudes in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was used through an online questionnaire to determine the general characteristics of participants and the influence of mass media on their knowledge, attitudes, and fears toward RA. An online pretested and standardized questionnaire was distributed through social media using combined convenience and snowball sampling that targeted the general population residing in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, between 10 January and 11 March 2022. Frequencies and percentages were employed as descriptive statistics. To examine the statistical differences in knowledge scores between various sociodemographic factors, the student's t-test and analysis of variance were used. Results A total of 419 participants were included. About 20.3% of the participants were unaware of RA. Mean knowledge showed very low scores of 2.5 ± 2.24 out of 15. There were no significant differences in knowledge when it was compared with different sociodemographic variables, except for marital status and monthly income. There was a positive attitude toward the seriousness of RA. The correlation of knowledge scores with attitude and fear scores showed a poor or negligible correlation (rho= 0.130, p=0.008), whereas, with media influence, there was a low positive correlation (rho= 0.347 p<0.001). Conclusion This study found that even though our sample population had acceptable views concerning the significance of rheumatoid arthritis, their understanding of the condition was lacking. To promote knowledge of RA and its unfavorable health impact on affected individuals, public awareness initiatives with substantial media influence should be implemented.

Caring for Transgender Youth with Eating Disorders in a Day Treatment Program

Background: The treatment of transgender youth with an eating disorder presents particular considerations due to the unique combination of body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, malnutrition coupled with the evolving gender identity in the midst of biological and physical changes. At this time, public awareness, societal acknowledgment and legislative initiatives have led to wider acceptance of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender rights. However, at the same time, transgender youth are at increased risk for mental health problems, including eating disorders. Objective: To describe two cases of trans adolescents with anorexia nervosa treated in a day treatment program. Methods: In this paper, the two clinical vignettes of transgender adolescent with anorexia nervosa will be discussed. The focused care included specific attention to the initial disclosure of gender identity in a safe space, name and pronoun preferences as well as wardrobe and hair style changes. In addition, treatment focused on the reduction of social anxiety around meal consumption with special attention given to the impact of weight on the development of secondary sex characteristics. Themes of identity, rejection and secrecy were explored. Conclusion: In summary, the treatment of transgender youth with anorexia nervosa is more complex than treatment of cis gender youth. Additional issues, such as hormonal treatments, the development of secondary sexual characteristics as well as social and cultural factors can exacerbate eating disorder symptoms. Treatment should focus on understanding the etiology and the trajectory of the disorder within this lens.

Empowering Health Care Workers on Social Media to Bolster Trust in Science and Vaccination During the Pandemic: Making IMPACT Using a Place-Based Approach.

BackgroundGiven the widespread and concerted efforts to propagate health misinformation on social media, particularly centered around vaccination during the pandemic, many groups of clinicians and scientists were organized on social media to tackle misinformation and promote vaccination, using a national or international lens. Although documenting the impact of such social media efforts, particularly at the community level, can be challenging, a more hyperlocal or “place-based approach” for social media campaigns could be effective in tackling misinformation and improving public health outcomes at a community level.ObjectiveWe aimed to describe and document the effectiveness of a place-based strategy for a coordinated group of Chicago health care workers on social media to tackle misinformation and improve vaccination rates in the communities they serve.MethodsThe Illinois Medical Professionals Action Collaborative Team (IMPACT) was founded in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with representatives from major academic teaching hospitals in Chicago (eg, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois, and Rush University) and community-based organizations. Through crowdsourcing on multiple social media platforms (eg, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) with a place-based approach, IMPACT engaged grassroots networks of thousands of Illinois health care workers and the public to identify gaps, needs, and viewpoints to improve local health care delivery during the pandemic.ResultsTo address vaccine misinformation, IMPACT created 8 “myth debunking” infographics and a “vaccine information series” of 14 infographics that have generated >340,000 impressions and informed the development of vaccine education for the Chicago Public Libraries. IMPACT delivered 13 policy letters focusing on different topics, such as health care worker personal protective equipment, universal masking, and vaccination, with >4000 health care workers signatures collected through social media and delivered to policy makers; it published over 50 op-eds on COVID-19 topics in high-impact news outlets and contributed to >200 local and national news features. Using the crowdsourcing approach on IMPACT social media channels, IMPACT mobilized health care and lay volunteers to staff >400 vaccine events for >120,000 individuals, many in Chicago’s hardest-hit neighborhoods. The group’s recommendations have influenced public health awareness campaigns and initiatives, as well as research, advocacy, and policy recommendations, and they have been recognized with local and national awards.ConclusionsA coordinated group of health care workers on social media, using a hyperlocal place-based approach, can not only work together to address misinformation but also collaborate to boost vaccination rates in their surrounding communities.