NBCI Launches 'Vaccines Are Good for America' Campaign to Address Immunization Confusion in Black Communities

The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition representing 150,000 African-American churches and 27.7 million members, is launching its 'Vaccines Are Good for America' social media campaign on April 19, 2026. The initiative is designed to address widespread confusion and misinformation about immunizations within the African American community, a population that has historically faced significant barriers to healthcare access and trust.

The campaign is part of NBCI's broader 'Our Health Our Wellness' (OHOW) national initiative, which targets six priority health areas: Alzheimer's disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart health, mental health, and vaccinations. NBCI president Rev. Anthony Evans emphasized that the Black church has a unique role to play in health education, given its deep roots in African American communities and its trusted position as a source of guidance and support.

In addition to the vaccine campaign, NBCI is also launching a new educational Parkinson's Disease Initiative in Houston and St. Louis, along with the formation of the African American Parkinson's Patient's Advocacy Organization (AAPPAO) on April 9, 2026. The organization is also piloting a 'Heart First' program in Miami and Charlotte, and has released a proposal for the 'Black Beautiful Babies Campaign' to address the nation's Black maternal health crisis.

NBCI's health initiatives reflect a growing recognition that the Black church can serve as a critical bridge between healthcare systems and underserved communities. By using its extensive network and trusted relationships, NBCI aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the racial disparities that continue to affect African American health across the country.