Senior Friendship Centers Joins HHS in New National Public Health Campaign

October 23, 2024 | Sarasota

Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) 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). SFC and HHS will work together to provide important information on these common respiratory viruses and on the latest vaccines to all residents of the United States, especially those at highest risk of severe illness.

“Part of our goal at Senior Friendship Centers is to help our community members live their healthiest lives,” said Erin McLeod, President and CEO of Senior Friendship Centers “The Risk Less. Do More.” campaign will allow people in our community to learn about the vaccines for these illnesses, which in turn, will improve our entire community’s health.”

As part of the partnership, SFC has launched a communications campaign aimed at reaching older adults seniors and those residing in assisted living locations. This initiative will include in-person outreach through community and specific vaccine events across four counties in Southwest Florida: Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee, and Sarasota. Our staff will also share important information through social media and other digital channels to ensure seniors have access to this vital resource.

“HHS is proud to partner with Senior Friendship Centers. 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.”

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, last fall and winter, 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 racial and ethnic groups, including Black and Hispanic people in the United States, are also at higher risk.

Please visit RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov for more information on the Risk Less. Do More. campaign. For additional information on Senior Friendship Centers visit www.friendshipcenters.org