Center For Health Equity In The News
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August 31, 2024
Dr. Ala Stanford: People didn’t just trust my Covid guidance because of my race, ‘I had to earn it’
Covid-19 is surging. Thanks to the widespread availability of vaccines, it’s not a huge danger to most Americans, but it never did go away and there are vulnerable populations who are still very much at risk. According to the CDC, Covid-19 cases are “growing” or “likely growing” in 20 states. Founder of the Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium and the Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity, Dr. Ala Stanford joins Ali Velshi to explain the newest warnings and guidelines Americans should be following and to discuss her new book, “Take Care of them Like My Own: Faith, Fortitude, and a Surgeon’s Fight for Health Justice.”– watch video
June 24, 2024
Ala Stanford, National Leader in Health Equity, Joins Penn
As a Professor of Practice in the Department of Biology, Stanford will teach undergraduates about the intersection of health, equity, and biology. “Dr. Stanford has led a life of remarkable accomplishments,” says Steven J. Fluharty, School of Arts and Sciences Dean and Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Professor of Psychology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience. “She is a force for innovation and improvement, and she will share her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm with our students, connecting their studies in the lab and lecture hall to the world they will be working in and making better.” – continue reading
Feb 20, 2023
MSN
Dr. Ala Stanford Center offers free health screenings
This week, the center will host workshops featuring conversations with local civic leaders about the community’s health and wellness needs. – watch video
Oct 30, 2022
Comcast Technology Center
An Evening of Celebration & Giving
An Evening of Celebration & Giving was emceed by Patty Jackson from WDAS. We had an amazing performance by Carol Riddick, “A Better Me.” Followed by patient stories performed by Aikan Performance Arts, highlighting a few of the impactful stories of actual patients the BDC has served. – view photo gallery
Sept 3, 2022
Philadelphia Inquirer
Monkeypox vax has disproportionately gone to white Philadelphians. This clinic sought to balance that.
More than half of Philadelphia’s monkeypox cases have been reported in Black residents, but they have received just 24% of the vaccine doses. White residents have received 56% of shots, and account for 24% of infections.
About 53% of doses administered at the Ala Stanford health center’s pop-up clinic on Monday and Wednesday went to Black patients, according to the clinic’s medical director.
Staff there is careful to protect the anonymity of the people going there for monkeypox vaccine doses. One factor complicating the monkeypox vaccination effort is that some men who have sex with men may be less likely to identify as gay, experts note, and they could be averse to visiting a clinic established specifically for monkeypox vaccine.
“We are being discreet, ” said Doris Cush, director of nursing. “It’s total anonymity.” – continue reading
July 5, 2022
Philadelphia Inquirer
Racial inequities in vaccination are emerging again, this time among Philly’s elementary-age kids
Staff at the Black Doctors Consortium emphasized that getting any kid vaccinated was a win, but echo other experts who say that as the focus on COVID has waned, old inequities are reasserting themselves.
“We’ve done our best effort to try to help fill in that gap,” said JaBaris Swain, a doctor and one of the consortium’s medical directors. “I think the city and surrounding areas have much more ability to influence this than we do and I’m not sure I’m seeing that messaging coming across.” – continue reading
July 2, 2022
Philadelphia Inquirer
Ala Stanford visits health center in Fairhill as rollout of COVID vaccines for babies and children continues
Stanford said the main purpose of her visit was to make sure that community health centers have the support and resources available and needed to vaccinate children under age 5. She said she wants to guarantee that the federally funded health centers, like María de los Santos, have support for claims reimbursement, grant funding, telehealth initiatives, and jurisdiction over the communication efforts needed to address specific communities.
“The people who visit know who’s taking care of them, and trust them,” Stanford said. “So, as trusted messengers in this community, they will be able to call parents and grandparents to let them know that the babies can get vaccinated now.” – continue reading
May 22, 2022
WHYY
Black Doctors Consortium walk-a-thon draws people from region who are fighting for health equity
“It was the inaugural NEXT STEP from Freedom to Equity Walk-a-Thon, hosted by the Black Doctors Consortium and the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity.”
“It is the city of Philadelphia saying, ‘I deserve to be happy and healthy,’” said Kamau Stanford, CEO of the Consortium and Center. “It’s saying, ‘I care about my mental and physical health.’ It’s saying, simply, ‘I want to live.’” – continue reading
May 16, 2022
PA Senate
Sen. Haywood, Sen. Hughes, and Rep. McClinton Announce $13.8 Million in Health Equity Funding
“Today, Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia), Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia), and House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) hosted a check presentation and press conference at the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity (ASHE) in Philadelphia. They presented a $2.8 million check to the Pennsylvania School-Based Health Alliance for behavioral health services in school-based health centers and a $1 million check to the Black Doctors Consortium for health programs assistance and continued growth.”– continue reading
April 26, 2022
The White House
President Biden Announces Key Regional Appointments for HHS
“These regional appointees will be critical to the President’s efforts to rebuild communities most impacted by the pandemic, the economic recovery, and climate change. They bring deep expertise in their issue areas as well as critical relationships with federal, state, tribal, and local leaders. And, consistent with the President’s commitment to building an administration that looks like America, these regional appointees represent the diversity of America and the communities they serve.”
“Regional Directors lead HHS’s 10 Regional Offices that directly serve state and local organizations. Regional Directors ensure the Department maintains close contact with state, local, and tribal partners and addresses the needs of communities and individuals served through HHS programs and policies.” – continue reading
April 26, 2022
WHYY
Biden appoints Philly’s Dr. Ala Stanford to lead regional Health and Human Services office
“President Biden has appointed Stanford to lead the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Region 3 office, which covers all of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.”
“The appointment announcement highlighted Stanford’s work in founding the Black Doctors Consortium in Philadelphia, which made major strides in addressing racial disparities in health care since the start of the pandemic.” – continue reading
April 15, 2022
The Philadelphia Sun
6th Annual WDAS-FM Women of Excellence Luncheon
Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of The Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity, received the WDAS-FM “Trailblazing Women of Excellence Award” for her groundbreaking work addressing health disparities in communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic. – continue reading
March 31, 2022
CNN
After vaccinating thousands against Covid-19, this CNN Hero is fighting inequity in the medical system
“We take care of newborns through grandma and grandpa. And that is the next step … wanting to not just save lives, but really impact an entire lifetime with people.“
“You come in for a shot and you see your vital signs are out of whack – you might say ‘Did you know you have high blood pressure?’ or ‘Did you take your medication today?”- continue reading
March 28, 2022
WHYY
Philly’s Black Doctors Consortium receives $3 million in federal funding
“The Black Doctors Consortium in North Philadelphia has received $3 million out of the $1.5 trillion federal spending bill recently signed by President Biden. The funds will help the medical clinic supply free health care.” – continue reading
March 13, 2022
Bucks County Courier Times
USA TODAY’s Women of the Year: Dr. Ala Stanford talks about her proudest moment
“A very proud moment,” Dr. Ala Stanford reminisces her graduation after decades. Her father had rented a 52-passenger bus for everyone to be there.” – continue reading
March 10, 2022
The Mercury
Black history highlights saviors of historic health outbreaks in Montgomery County
“Physicians and healthcare workers continue to risk themselves to save others, including those fighting to overcome systemic racism via the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium (BDCC) with a base in Jenkintown.”
“That “focus” certainly would impress two early-American theologians and healthcare workers through the ages dedicated to saving precious lives and souls.” – continue reading
March 9, 2022
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philly health department admits the city is far less vaccinated against COVID-19 than it has been saying
“Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon and founder of the Black Doctors’ COVID-19 Consortium, said she wasn’t surprised that the city’s pediatric vaccination rates were incorrect.”
“I’ve been at the elementary schools and the high schools since Jan. 18,” she said. “I see the questions that are asked. I see the holes in the education. And I still see some parents who have not endorsed and embraced the idea of vaccination with their children.” – continue reading
February 5, 2022
KYW News Radio
New outdoor exhibit honors achievements of Black Philadelphians
“The exhibit is called “Leaders and Legends.” Smith executive director Frances Hoover says it’s geared towards the children who play there.”
“We feature information that’s digestible for kids and also family-based activities and children’s books that relate to each honoree,” she explained, adding it was important for her to include profiles of people who are doing great things right now.”
“We sometimes tend to over and over again honor a select few of great achieving Black Americans,” she said, “when we look at black history but I also want people to realize that there are so many more that are out there.” – continue reading
February 5, 2022
Philadelphia Inquirer
From John Chaney to Ala Stanford, Smith Playground’s Black History Month exhibit honors Philly’s ‘Leaders and Legends’
Dr. Ala Stanford is among 13 honorees, including Marian Anderson, Robert Bogle, Ed Bradley, Tina Sloan Green, and Juanita Kidd Stout – continue reading
February 5, 2022
MSNBC
Philly Doctor’s grassroots Efforts to Battle Covid-19
“A year ago, Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, was just trying to get as many people as possible vaccinated in Philadelphia, PA. While she is still vaccinating away in schools across the state, before this year, says Dr. Stanford, “We were putting a band-aid on with your vaccine.” What’s different now is the ability to also focus on preventative health and inequities that have gone unaddressed – which she’s able to do at the new Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity. “ – continue reading
February 3, 2022
MSN
Philly teens greet COVID-19 vaccination efforts with interest and skepticism
“Stanford said repeatedly Wednesday that students in ninth grade and up don’t need parental permission to get vaccinated. Whether it’s to protect older family members who are more vulnerable to the worst effects of the virus, or to stay involved in youth sports, she kept the focus on the benefits of getting vaccinated.” – continue reading
January 18, 2022
CBS Philly
Philadelphia School District, Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium Team Up To Bring Vaccines To Areas In Need
“Tamala Edwards interviews Dr. Ala Stanford – Pediatric Surgeon and Founder/CEO of the Black Doctors COVID Consortium. The discussion centers on the latest surge, the Omicron variant, the importance of vaccinations for young people, global vaccine inequality. They talk about how the public should proceed in this COVID-era two years into this pandemic. They also discuss the new Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity and how they can permanently serve the community in North Philadelphia and those in need all across the city.” – continue reading
January 18, 2022
6ABC
Mobile vaccination unit hitting Philadelphia streets Tuesday
“Many doctors, nurses and volunteers from across the Philadelphia region spent Monday making sure anyone who wanted a COVID-19 test or vaccine was able to get one.”
“Dr. Ala Stanford, the founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, has been on a mission to make sure that’s possible.”
“We are better than we were. I can tell you the Monday after Christmas, our positivity rate was 45%. We watched that drop down, and most recently it is 20% to” – continue reading
January 17, 2022
Fox29
COVID vaccines to be more widely available across Philly schools, officials announce
“Students in Philadelphia schools will find COVID vaccines more available across Philadelphia, with the help of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, along with FEMA and Philadelphia health agencies, School District of Philadelphia officials announced.”
“”As with any public health crisis, you must go to the people and this is no different.,” said Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium Founder Doctor Ala Stanford, who opened the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity in 2021 to offer greater access to healthcare for communities that have traditionally been underserved. “The partnership with the School District of Philadelphia will make it very easy for children and their families to get vaccinated and help keep our communities safer as the pandemic continues.” – continue reading
January 17, 2022
Philadelphia Inquirer
From administering vaccines to cleaning Philly’s streets, ‘This is what MLK Day is all about’
“Ala Stanford, founder and CEO of the Black Doctors organization, said last weekend marked one year since her group administered its first vaccine in Philadelphia. She said she struggled to get those early vaccines because they were allocated only to “folks who needed it and who were thought would take it.”
“The narrative was that Black and brown people didn’t want to get vaccinated, they were too hesitant, so when the vaccine was rolled out there was none in the community,” said Stanford, who is a surgeon. “So I had to fight for that and advocate to get it behind closed doors.”
“Stanford urged those in attendance to talk with people they know who aren’t vaccinated yet.” – continue reading
January 4, 2022
6ABC
Dr. Ala Stanford on Omicron variant, latest in COVID-19 pandemic
“Tamala Edwards interviews Dr. Ala Stanford – Pediatric Surgeon and Founder/CEO of the Black Doctors COVID Consortium. The discussion centers on the latest surge, the Omicron variant, the importance of vaccinations for young people, global vaccine inequality. They talk about how the public should proceed in this COVID-era two years into this pandemic. They also discuss the new Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity and how they can permanently serve the community in North Philadelphia and those in need all across the city.” – continue reading
January 3, 2022
CNN
The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer
“In the midst of this surge, more cities seem eager to keep schools and businesses open and coming up with new ways to allow that to happen. Is that the right approach at this current phase during the pandemic?” – Watch Video
December 29, 2021
MSN Health
Want a COVID-19 test before New Year’s Eve? Expect long lines at Philadelphia sites
“The rate of new COVID-19 infections is nearing record levels again in Philadelphia, and demand for testing is very high, leading to scarcity locally.”
“Dr. Ala Stanford with the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium tweeted on Monday that the rapid testing done at the Center for Health Equity in North Philadelphia had a positivity rate of 33%.”
“We also need more tests and financial support to be sustainable and continue to offer this service to Philadelphia who deserve better.” – continue reading
December 26, 2021
6ABC
Omicron variant creates tidal wave of demand for COVID testing, booster shots
“Outside the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity in North Philadelphia, the line was long Monday morning as people scrambled to get tested. Dr. Ala Stanford runs the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium. She says the demand has been overwhelming but she and her staff soldier on.”
“We are busy, our spirits are high though. Just trying to serve the city of Philadelphia,” said Stanford.”
“Stanford says her last pop-up testing event saw roughly 30% of people tested come back positive.”
“The service is needed. We need everybody, every hospital, every urgent care, the city health department to do their part. We are over a million people,” Stanford added.” – continue reading
December 21, 2021
CBS Philly
Dr. Ala Stanford Talks COVID-19 With CBS3’s Siafa Lewis
Dr Ala Stanford talks about home Covid tests, being vaccinated and around those who are not, breakthrough cases among the vaccinated, and booster shots for children. – watch video
December 21, 2021
ABC News
Philadelphia doctor helps underserved community get COVID-19 support: The Year 2021
“Dr. Ala Stanford helped over 75,000 residents in Philadelphia receive access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines.“ – watch video
December 21, 2021
Penn Today
The COVID landscape after a year with vaccines
“As of this week, more than 72% of the U.S. population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 shot. Though uptake has been uneven, with white people most likely to get vaccinated, those gaps are shrinking thanks to the work of groups like the Philadelphia-based Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, founded by Ala Stanford.”
“Combating [misinformation] requires getting creative, particularly on social media, said Stanford, who recently started the Center for Health Equity in Philadelphia. She has used herself and her children as examples, for instance, posting to social media after her twins, who are in 6th grade, received their shots. “Trust is earned,” she said. “You can’t flip a switch to get it.” – continue reading
December 21, 2021
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Philly vaccination rates for Black and Hispanic children lag, even as another COVID-19 surge looms
“Among 5 to 11 year olds, just 8% of Philadelphia’s Black children and 12% of Hispanic children have received at least one dose, according to city data. About 24% of white children and 31% of Asian children have received at least one dose since the vaccine was approved for younger children at the beginning of November. As of Monday, 18,540 Philadelphia children ages 5 to 11 had received their first vaccine dose.”
“I think it’s unacceptable,” said Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon and founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium and the Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity. ““I’m concerned,” Stanford said. “I think we’ve got to buckle down.” – continue reading
December 14, 2021
The Philadelphia Tribune
Dr. Ala Stanford recognized as Top 10 CNN Hero
“Stanford was introduced and praised for her work by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, chief medical advisor to the president of the United States and director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.”
“The leading cause of death for all in the United States is heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, casualties and trauma,” Stanford said in a news release. “All of which are preventable, but the neighborhoods where people, live, work, play and raise their children lack the care they need. Preventing illness and suffering is the greatest care and love we can offer our families / brothers / sisters / communities. Our mission is providing preventive care,” she said. “COVID has painfully taught us that breaking the trust with people who need care is dangerous.” – continue reading
December 12, 2021
CNN
Inside 2021’s ‘CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute’
“2021 CNN Hero Dr. Ala Stanford speaks onstage after accepting her award. Since April 2020, Dr. Ala Stanford’s group, the Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium, has brought testing and vaccines to more than 75,000 residents of Philadelphia’s minority neighborhoods.” – continue reading
December 12, 2021
The Philadelphia Tribune
Medical experts address latest developments around COVID-19 vaccines
“The panelists also addressed the omicron variant in addition to discussing COVID-19 vaccine distribution, uptake and equity. Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, highlighted the gains made in getting more African American Philadelphians vaccinated.”
“We have to be careful because the narrative that African Americans and Black and brown people didn’t want vaccines — that made it hard for me to get vaccines from the city,” Stanford said. “I had to show that people wanted it.”
“The Consortium has vaccinated more than 53,000 Philadelphians.” – continue reading
December 7, 2021
The Philadelphia Tribune
Philadelphia’s chapter The Links hosts family health clinic at Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity in North Philadelphia
“Marking its 75th anniversary, the Philadelphia chapter of The Links Inc. has partnered with the Maternity Care Coalition and the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to provide vaccinations and booster shots, as well as maternal and infant health care resources.”
“We have a line of people outside the door — some of them pregnant — that have been suspicious about the efficacy of the [COVID-19] vaccine and the safety of it,” said Marianne Fray of the Maternity Care Coalition (MCC). “And so, to see people out the door, waiting to come in and be vaccinated is just incredibly rewarding. Because we do believe at MCC that those vaccines can save lives, and we want it to disseminate accurate information.” – continue reading
November 30, 2021
The Tribune Democrat
Dr. Ala Stanford Honored with The Pennsylvania Society Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement
“There are countless examples of Pennsylvanians who have stepped up in significant ways during the pandemic – many of whom we have recognized on social media through our PA COVID Heroes campaign. Of course, right at the top of the list are our health care professionals: doctors, nurses, paramedics and EMTs – all of whom risked their own lives to protect ours.“ – continue reading
November 10, 2021
CNN
CNN Heroes
Dr. Ala Stanford is one of ten finalists for CNN’s 2021 Heroes Award – but she needs your votes to help bring home the $100,000 prize. Having just opened the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity, that money can immediately be put to good use. Voting ends on December 7th. – VOTE
November 15, 2021
The Philadelphia Tribune
Black journalists gather to celebrate each other
“Over 200 media professionals, family and friends packed the room at for the 2021 Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists(PABJ) Awards & Scholarship Gala. The night’s honorees included retired NBC-10 Director Terri Andrews, Cassie Owens, Raishad Hardnett, Fox-29’s Bill Anderson, Dr. Ala Stanford, who received the Community Service Award and Patty Jackson who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.” – continue reading
November 9, 2021
Philadelphia Magazine
ThinkFest 2021: Ala Stanford Talks COVID-19 Plan
“ThinkFest 2021 is all about legends, leaders, and the next generation of power brokers who are designing Philadelphia’s future by tackling some of the city’s most pressing issues. One of the city’s biggest challenges remains the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other cities around the world, Philly is in a race with an undefined end to increase access to COVID-19 testing and expand vaccine distribution and adoption amid an impassioned wave of public uncertainty and fear. On November 11th, Ala Stanford, founder and CEO of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, will discuss her vision for helping the city survive the pandemic.” – continue reading
November 4, 2021
AXIOS Philadelphia
Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity opens in North Philly
“The health center is based in a former school at Deliverance Evangelistic Church and serves all ages, from newborns to seniors. It boasts eight exam rooms, five doctors, nurses and more. The clinic is funded by a combination of private dollars, grants and donations. It’ll offer care on an income-based sliding scale. Coronavirus vaccines will be offered at the clinic, including Pfizer shots for children ages 5-11 following U.S. approval this week.” – continue reading
November 3, 2021
CBS3
Dr. Ala Stanford Center For Health Equity Opens In North Philadelphia
“The location has five doctors and additional health care workers, offering primary care, COVID tests and vaccines, as well as other medical treatment.”
“”I feel grateful,” Stanford said. “I feel privileged to be able to take care of folks, that they’re using us, that they trust us to be their primary caregiver, and so I’m just ready to go.”” – continue reading
November 3, 2021
6ABC
Dr. Ala Stanford’s mission is to make sure those most vulnerable have access to quality health care.
“The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the clinic took place a week ago, which has been a little over a year in the making. Dr. Ala Stanford’s mission is to make sure those most vulnerable, especially communities of color, have access to quality health care.”
“The activist claimed one of her proudest moments at the kickoff was giving her first COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to 9-year-old Jin Long Lamb after the 5-11 age group was recently approved by the CDC.” – continue reading
November 3, 2021
Bloomberg
How Black Doctors Got Philadelphia Vaccinated
“Philadelphia is closing out the year with one of the highest Black vaccination rates in a major U.S. city. After a slow start amid a scandal in which test sites in minority neighborhoods were shut down, the city, which is 38% Black, turned it around thanks in no small measure to the work of 50 Black doctors and a group of volunteers who fanned out across neighborhoods to educate reluctant residents—and give shots.”
“Today, at least 54% of Black residents are vaccinated. That puts Philadelphia at the top of a group of the country’s 10 most Black cities, with populations of 500,000 or more and with Black people making up anywhere from 28% to 77% of the population. (The second-largest U.S. city, Los Angeles, has vaccinated 55% of Black residents, but they make up just 8% of the population.)” – continue reading
November 9, 2021
Yahoo! News
Urban Affairs Coalition Announces Living Legacy Award Recipient: Dr. Ala Stanford & The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium
“Created in honor of Congressman Dwight Evans, this award is presented in recognition of visionary leadership and commitment to foster the Coalition’s mission of improving life chances for youth and young adults; building wealth in urban communities; and strengthening the nonprofit sector.“ – continue reading
November 6, 2021
WHYY
A little scared maybe, but ‘super excited’ too: Young kids line up for their COVID vaccines
“With the CDC’s signoff earlier this week, kids ages 5 to 11 finally became eligible to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. And scores of eager families headed to the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity (ASHE) in North Philadelphia for the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium’s first weekend of vaccinations for younger children.” – continue reading
November 5, 2021
Philadelphia Sun
Black Health Matters: The Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity (ASHE) opens in North Philadelphia
“Upon entering the facility, patients with appointments and walk-ins are greeted in the lobby reception area by friendly staff. They are then escorted to the facility’s Welcome Center, where there is a children’s space, claims and intake area and a social services area.”
“The ASHE center provides primary care for patients ranging from newborns to seniors.” – continue reading
November 4, 2021
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Telling Your Health Story is an art form for everyone. Learn from Ala Stanford, and other masters at the Inquirer’s free event
“Our keynote event will feature perhaps the most visible face of health care in Philadelphia during COVID-19: Ala Stanford, physician and founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium. Inquirer columnist Jenice Armstrong will talk with Stanford about the many stories she has heard and shared over the last 20 months as she’s worked to promote health and wellness for the city’s most vulnerable residents. And she’ll share what’s happening now at her new Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity.“ – continue reading
November 2, 2021
WHYY
Black Doctors Consortium to offer COVID-19 vaccine for kids, pending CDC approval
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week issued an emergency use authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s independent advisory committee is meeting this week, and will soon vote on whether to recommend the vaccine for younger children.”
“In Philadelphia, the Black Doctors Consortium’s primary care clinic says it is prepared. Beginning Thursday — pending approval from the CDC — children ages 5 to 17 may be vaccinated at the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity (ASHE).” – continue reading
November 2021
Philadelphia Magazine
Ala Stanford: Godmother of Community Health Outreach
“In these tumultuous times, the list of people who wield influence in Philly is constantly changing. In the November issue of Philadelphia Magazine, you can find a snapshot of the current power players in the city, to celebrate those who, in the past year and the years before, made moves that have shaped where we’ve been, and those who, in the year ahead, will have the biggest role in determining our future. Among them – Dr. Ala Stanford.” – continue reading
October 28, 2021
Bloomberg
How a Group of Black Doctors Got Philadelphia Vaccinated
“They took their shots—and their pitch—to the streets, kept late hours, and streamlined sign-ups.“
“From Day 1, we were trust-building,” says Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon and founder of the consortium. The group has administered more than 53,000 shots, of which about 80% went to African Americans. On some days it vaccinated more than 1,000 people, reserving shots for poorer ZIP codes and keeping clinics open late into the evening. And because some residents were reluctant to provide personal details, the consortium streamlined and simplified the sign-up process.” – continue reading
October 27, 2021
Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity: The Ribbon Cutting
Please visit our dedicated page for photos, videos and news articles regarding this momentous occasion. – continue reading
October 19, 2021
Philadelphia Inquirer
Don’t use Colin Powell’s death to bolster anti-vaccine sentiments
“According to the founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, everyone should get the shot to protect our friends, family, and neighbors who, like General Powell, remain vulnerable even after vaccination.” – continue reading
October 14, 2021
Philadelphia Business Journal
Health Care Leaders in Health Care 2021, Editor’s Pick: Dr. Ala Stanford, Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium
In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Ala Stanford was troubled by reports of the disproportionate number of African Americans being diagnosed and dying from infections. Equally concerning to Stanford, a general and pediatric surgeon with her own private practice in Jenkintown, were the statistics that showed not enough being done in the way of timely interventions to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. So she decided to do something about it.” – continue reading
October 14, 2021
Fox 29
FDA panel meets to discuss Moderna, J&J COVID-19 booster shots
“Dr. Ala Stanford from the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium joins Good Day Philadelphia to discuss an FDA panel meeting on COVID-19 booster doses of Moderna and J&J. Experts will discuss whether a third shot of Moderna’s two-dose vaccine should contain just half the original dose and what’s the best timing for a second shot of the single-dose J&J vaccine.” – continue reading
October 12, 2021
Washington Post Live
Health Equity: The State of Obesity in America with Ala Stanford, MD
“Ala Stanford, MD, says she founded the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium in April 2020 to create barrier-free access to covid-19 testing to people of color living in Philadelphia. “African Americans and Latinx folks, in general, had the highest positivity rate in the city, living in zip codes where covid was 1 in 4, but yet all the testing locations were in affluent White neighborhoods…A huge part of access is going to where the people are and not expecting them to come to you…” – continue reading
October 6, 2021
The Mississippi Link
The AKA’s breast-cancer-fighting machine targets the MS delta
“In kicking off October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the sorority has gone full throttle in providing information on the importance of early detection as well as free screening for this disease which impacts more than 2 million Americans annually.” – continue reading
September 29, 2021
CBS3
Dr. Ala Stanford, Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium Founder, Honored With George H.W. Bush Points Of Light Award
“A local doctor who has played a critical role in Philadelphia’s pandemic fight has received a national honor. Dr. Ala Stanford, the founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, accepted the George H.W. Bush Points Of Light Award on Tuesday night. It honors people who are driving significant and sustained impact through their actions.” – continue reading
September 28, 2021
Philly Metro
Dr. Ala Stanford: A true trailblazer in Philadelphia and beyond
“At a recent news conference, Dr. Ala Stanford discussed the trauma caused by COVID-19 and the broader effects of post-traumatic stress within Philadelphia’s communities and neighborhoods. Stanford, an adult general and pediatric surgeon and the founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, spoke to the need for behavioral health and psychological counseling in addition to primary care, coronavirus testing, and vaccination services. The pandemic affected everyone physically, mentally and emotionally, Stanford said, as people lost parents, grandparents, and other loved ones. ” – continue reading
September 25, 2021
Fox 29
Philadelphia Department of Public Health to begin administering Pfizer booster shots Saturday
“In North Philadelphia at the Deliverance Church, home to the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, booster shots were administered Friday afternoon to office workers and the organization’s founder Dr. Ala Stanford.” – continue reading
September 25, 2021
CBS3
Dr. Ala Stanford To Receive Points Of Light Award
“Dr. Ala Stanford has been on the front lines of the pandemic. Now, she’s recognized for her efforts. Next Tuesday, the founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 consortium will receive The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award. The award recognizes those with integrity and empathy who create positive change.” – continue reading
September 23, 2021
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philly’s Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium is opening a primary care clinic to combat health inequity
“Amid the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium’s push to get vaccines into Philadelphia’s hardest-hit neighborhoods this year, founder Ala Stanford noticed something: Patients weren’t just coming to her clinics for vaccines.” – continue reading
September 22, 2021
WHYY / PBS
Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to open clinic offering primary care
“The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium has used [Deliverance Evangelistic Church in North Philadelphia] for the past six months as a home base to offer vaccinations and testing. During that time, it saw growing demand for expanded health care services beyond just COVID shots. So now, the group is opening a health equity clinic on site that will offer everything from lab work, to pediatric checkups, to vaccinations of all varieties.” – continue reading
June 25, 2021
The Philadelphia Tribune
Philly’s Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium is opening a primary care clinic to combat health inequity
“We are intentional about focusing on communities that have the low vaccination rates and the highest positivity rates,” said Stanford, whose organization has been praised as a model to reduce health care inequality by the CDC. “Those who are most vulnerable … they need to have the support.” – continue reading