By: Sara Hussey, MBA, CAE – ACMS Executive Director
As we kick off National Immunization Awareness Month, the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) is proud to announce a strategic new partnership with the Allegheny County Immunization Coalition (ACIC) – a collaboration designed to strengthen local vaccine education efforts and public health advocacy across our region.
ACIC has been a trusted, community-based coalition for over two decades, bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, and public health advocates to improve immunization access and awareness. As of July 1, the ACMS Foundation now serves as the official fiscal sponsor of ACIC, providing vital nonprofit infrastructure and operational support to sustain and expand the coalition’s impact.
“This partnership is about more than structure – it’s about safeguarding a resource that’s been at the forefront of vaccine education for years,” said Sara Hussey, Executive Director of ACMS. “Together, we’re ensuring that ACIC continues to be a strong and visible force for public health in Western Pennsylvania.”
ACIC Chair Jennifer Bender, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, echoed that urgency:
“Strong recommendations from physicians are a core strategy for increasing vaccine uptake, and ACIC is thrilled to be partnering with ACMS – especially given recent federal changes to health priorities and quickly changing vaccine policy. Now more than ever is the time to partner with a strong local physician organization to promote immunity in Allegheny County and our surrounding areas.”
ACMS President Keith T. Kanel, MD, MHCM, FACP, added, “Vaccine policy has long been a priority for our organization, and the opportunity to partner with ACIC in these turbulent times is so exciting. We’re proud to stand beside a coalition so deeply rooted in our community and so vital to its health.”
Why This Matters
With growing uncertainty around national funding for immunization programs, local partnerships like this one are critical. ACIC’s grassroots mission—centered on collaboration, education, and access—will not only continue but grow, thanks to the resources and reach of ACMS.
Together, ACMS and ACIC will:
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Expand outreach and vaccine education programming
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Host timely events, including the ACIC Annual Immunization Conference on November 5, 2025
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Convene healthcare professionals to shape local advocacy and policy efforts
How You Can Get Involved
Membership in ACIC is free and open to all healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, educators, and public health advocates.
For ACMS members, this partnership opens new doors to contribute your voice, time, and expertise. Whether it’s presenting at a community event, contributing to CME-eligible education, or helping shape regional vaccine strategy, there’s a meaningful way to get involved.
Learn more and sign up at www.immunizeallegheny.org
This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to advancing public health in Allegheny County and beyond. We’re grateful to the ACIC leadership for their ongoing work—and to our members, partners, and community advocates who continue to champion the power of prevention.
For more information or to learn how you can partner with the ACIC – contact the ACIC Administrator Melanie Mayer at [email protected].