Stronger Together: New Partnership Strengthens Local Vaccine Education at a Critical Time

ACIC volunteers provide evidence-based vaccine information

ACMS and ACIC Join Forces to Protect Public Health Amid National Funding Instability

As the nation observes National Immunization Awareness Month, the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) and the Allegheny County Immunization Coalition (ACIC) are joining forces to keep trusted, local vaccine education going strong.

In response to widespread uncertainty around federal and state funding for immunization initiatives, ACMS has formally partnered with ACIC, a multidisciplinary coalition dedicated to promoting vaccine access, awareness, and education in Allegheny County. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Allegheny County families continue to have access to reliable, science-based vaccine information. 

Through this partnership, the ACMS Foundation will now serve as the fiscal sponsor of ACIC, helping the coalition continue its vital work, while adding nonprofit infrastructure and support.

At a time when misinformation and funding challenges threaten public confidence in immunizations, this alliance ensures that science-backed education efforts and professional initiatives continue to be front and center in local communities.

“This partnership is about more than structure—it’s about safeguarding a community resource that’s been at the forefront of vaccine education for over two decades,” said Sara Hussey, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of ACMS and recently named one of City and State’s 2025 Trailblazers in Healthcare. “At a time when vaccine education efforts across the country are facing growing uncertainty around funding, we’re ensuring that ACIC remains a strong and visible force for public health in Western Pennsylvania.” 

With support from ACMS, ACIC, under the leadership of Chair Jennifer Bender, will expand its grassroots efforts to promote vaccine access, counter misinformation, and foster trust among parents, schools, and providers.

The coalition will continue hosting community conversations, distributing educational materials, and convening cross-sector healthcare leaders. 

ACMS is a membership-based physicians’ organization that has been committed to advancing public health initiatives in Allegheny County since its inception in 1865. “Vaccine policy has long been a priority for our organization, and the opportunity to partner with ACIC in these turbulent times is so exciting,” said ACMS President Keith T. Kanel, MD, MHCM, FACP. 

The collaboration will allow ACIC to expand its outreach campaigns, educational programming, and convenings, including its signature event: 

SAVE THE DATE 

ACIC Annual Immunization Conference Wednesday, November 5, 2025– Regional Learning Alliance 

The conference brings together physicians, nurses, pharmacists, educators, and public health leaders to explore timely vaccine-related topics, policy updates, and community engagement strategies. 

GET INVOLVED

ACIC welcomes healthcare professionals, school staff, and public health advocates to join its network.

Visit www.immunizeallegheny.org to learn more or sign up for free.

Have a project idea or grant opportunity related to immunization awareness?

Reach out to Melanie Mayer, ACIC Program Administrator, at [email protected] to explore potential collaborations.