Getting Maine Vaccinated

This fall Mano en Mano is working to provide vaccine support and services across the entire state of Maine. 

With support from the Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, Mano en Mano has hired six bilingual (Spanish/English) Vaccine Navigators located throughout the state.  Their goal is to establish and expand access to educational information and resources throughout Maine in order to support people in making their decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

This program is designed to support the Spanish speaking population of Maine, and to provide information, language assistance and other services to break down the barriers people may face when seeking vaccine services.  In addition to language interpretation, the vaccine navigators can also provide transport to and from vaccine centers/clinics, help schedule appointments at health centers statewide, and answer questions people may have about the vaccine.

The navigators have been partnering with healthcare facilities and providing information about vaccine services at ‘pop-up’ events across the state.  In September alone they supported 128 individuals accessing vaccine services in Aroostook and Cumberland counties, and will continue to support healthcare providers and community partners throughout the fall and winter months.

Amanda Anderson, former Mano en Mano Associate Director and Coordinator of the Vaccine Navigators Program shares,

“Right now we are preparing for the arrival of wreath workers in Maine, and organizing events with health care providers to make vaccine services available and accessible for workers and their families. As of October 1, 2021, COVID infection rates in Maine are not improving. Vaccination can help protect from serious illness and long-term symptoms, and we want to support people to access these life saving services.”

The vaccine navigators are available via phone and email to answer any questions and provide referrals regarding vaccination information, logistics, and how to organize pop-up educational and/or vaccine events throughout the state.

Get to know our Vaccine Navigators!

• Name: Mandi Anderson

• Primary Location: Milbridge, Maine

• Contact Information: aanderson@manomaine.org (207) 800- 5416

• Why are you excited to work in the Vaccine navigator program?  
  I'm excited to expand my teaching experience to include vaccinations to help people make the best decisions for themselves based on quality sources of information. I can provide information about the differences among the three vaccines and also when and where people can get vaccinated around the state. 

• Name: Katelyn Brinks, RN

• Primary Location: Milbridge Maine

• Contact Information: kbrinks@manomaine.org 
  (616) 516-1829

• What kind of information are you ready to share with community members regarding the vaccine?:
  I have answers about the science behind the vaccine, and efficacy, as well as third doses and boosters. As a registered nurse, I am dedicated to knowing the science and promoting it. I am excited to share and help community members overcome doubts about the vaccine.

• Name: Jodaliza Feliz

• Primary Location: South Portland, Maine

• Contact Information: Jfeliz@manomaine.org

• Why are you excited to work in the Vaccine navigator program?
  I’m excited to help immigrants make the right decision for themselves and their family. I can do my best at answering all vaccine related questions or at least direct them to where they can find the answer, if I don't know it myself.

• Name: Rodrigo Zamora Paniagua

• Primary Location: Bangor, Maine

• Contact Information: rzamora@manomaine.org (207)- 598-9234

• What kinds of questions can you help answer OR what information can you help provide? 
  I can provide Information about the different vaccines available and the different locations where people can get vaccinated.

• Name: Deysi Garcia Ortiz

• Primary Location: Cherryfield, Maine

• Contact Information: dgarcia@manomaine.org
  (207) 800-5417

• Why are you excited to work in the Vaccine navigator program?
  I am excited to work in this new program because I want to help others get the vaccine and I am really hoping we can make a change in our community.

• Name: Valeria Vallejo

• Primary Location: Bangor, Maine

• Contact Information: vvallejo@manomaine.org
  (207) 401-1796

• Why are you excited to work in the Vaccine navigator program?
  I am excited to be able to help stop the pandemic in our community. My happiness comes from serving others, and I am ready to continue helping my Hispanic brothers and sisters that come to the state of Maine. I want people to know that the vaccine is free of charge, and the importance of the vaccine in our overall wellness. Mano en Mano is here to help you with any vaccine related education.

If you are interested in more information, or in partnering with the vaccine navigators at an event near you, please contact us at (207) 546 3006

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Interested in getting vaccinated?

Check out the additional resources below!