For Immediate Release

23 February 2021 | Washington, DC

Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity Program Recognized as Top Corporate Social Responsibility Project

Global Business Alliance recognizes DRIVE collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur for its impact in increasing immunizations in underserved areas

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity (SCH) announced that its DRIVE initiative, made possible by a grant from Sanofi Pasteur, has been recognized as one of the top five Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs of 2020 by Global Business Alliance.

Annually, Global Business Alliance (GBA) showcases significant contributions that international companies are making in U.S. communities.

DRIVE launched in partnership with NMQF, SHC and Sanofi to address the growing racial and ethnic disparities in flu vaccination rates. In the 2019-20 flu season, the efforts achieved between 20 and 40% increase in vaccination rates, expanding to seven additional sites in the last year as well as inclusion of community organizations.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for this work,” says Dr. Laura Lee Hall, Ph.D., SHC president. “The work that Sanofi and DRIVE are doing to increase flu vaccination rates is critical to underserved communities, especially in the face of COVID-19.”

GBA’s CSR Award recognizes community support by international companies that create initiatives impacting climate, health, and sustainability. The DRIVE initiative directly affects the health and welfare of older and medically vulnerable adults in underserved communities where only 30% received a flu shot in recent years.

“The goal is never to win an award,” continued Dr. Hall. “We are driven by our passion for serving the massive need within Black and Hispanic communities. The GBA helps us by getting the word out and bringing more people onboard to support this cause.”

Dr. Gary A. Puckrein, Ph.D., president and CEO of NMQF, believes the best way to obtain predictable positive outcomes for patients during COVID-19 is through support of local care networks.

“For decades we have known that throughout our nation’s history, people of color have experienced reduced access to health care, higher rates of chronic conditions and, ultimately, higher rates of mortality across a range of health conditions,” he said. “Now, during the pandemic, we have an urgent need to provide our underserved communities with accessible, equitable health care, including flu vaccines.”

For more information about DRIVE and the “Call for Community-Driven Equity in Flu Vaccination,” please visit SHC https://nmqf-shc.org/flu-vaccination.

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About the National Minority Quality Forum

The National Minority Quality Forum assists health care providers, professionals, administrators, researchers, policymakers, and community and faith-based organizations in delivering appropriate health care to minority communities. This assistance is based on providing the evidence in the form of science, research, and analysis that will lead to the effective organization and management of system resources to improve the quality and safety of health care for the entire population of the U.S., including minorities. For more information, please visit www.nmqf.org.

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