Events

co-organized with the National Safety Council

As more Americans get vaccinated for COVID-19, many businesses are considering whether they can safely reopen offices and bring employees back into the workplace. If so, when? How many days a week? Which restrictions should remain and which should be eased? What about workers who prefer (or must) remain largely remote? Can a hybrid work environment truly be effective? And what do we do regarding the vaccinated and un-vaccinated populations in the workforce? What are the health and safety considerations we’ll have to navigate as we reopen?

While these questions aren’t easy to answer, the National Safety Council, the Health Action Alliance, CDC, NIOSH, and members of the SAFER Task Force have come together to help you safely navigate the future world of work. Join us for an insightful Town Hall to hear from health & safety leaders, public health experts and other key stakeholders.

Employee resource groups (ERGs) and other affinity networks play an important role sharing facts, building trust and making it easier for diverse communities to access COVID-19 vaccines. This interactive workshop will prepare you to powerfully engage members of your community who may have unique concerns about vaccines or need extra support.

Co-organized with Ad Council, COVID Collaborative, Farm Bureau, Center for Rural Strategies, Rural America Chamber of Commerce, National Leage of Cities, National Rural Health Association, and the Daily Yonder

The vaccine rollout has taken a slower pace in smaller cities and rural communities, with 35 percent of rural residents saying they will probably not get vaccinated, compared to 25 percent in urban areas. Polling and reporting from local communities shows that residents may think the risk of COVID-19 has been overblown, may distrust the vaccine, may feel getting vaccinated is a matter of personal choice rather than a social obligation, or may be deterred by a long drive for health care services as rural hospitals and clinics continue to close.

Major employers and small business leaders can play a meaningful role in these communities, sharing fact-based information, sharing their vaccination stories, and supporting community vaccination efforts. 

On Thursday, June 3, 2021, the Health Action Alliance, COVID Collaborative and partners representing rural America will host a National Business Summit on engaging employees and residents in rural areas and small cities, offering case studies, best practices and actionable tools for employers and other leaders.