LOS ANGELES (CNS) — A campaign to empower the Latino community to stop the spread of COVID-19, increase vaccination rates, and combat rampant misinformation was launched Tuesday by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

The campaign slogan is Juntos Podemos or Together We Can. NALEO partnered with Kaiser Permanente, saying that the Latino community relies on trusted messengers — like doctors and medical experts — when seeking information about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"The Juntos Podemos campaign is about unity and togetherness among Latinos as we combat COVID-19," NALEO Educational Fund CEO Arturo Vargas said.

"While the virus knows no demographic bounds, its spread and effects have disproportionately devastated Latinos and other communities of color," he said. "Additionally, the inequitable access to vaccines has exacerbated the crisis. We need to take action now." 

The campaign's website includes sharable graphics with tips and information and a "Junkipedia" reporting tool. Residents are urged to report "chisme" or gossip by sharing screenshots or links with NALEO.

A linked Kaiser site is designed to bust virus-related myths, making clear, for example, that even those who have previously been infected should get vaccinated to protect themselves. The site also highlights the need to continue wearing a mask even after being inoculated as a way to protect others.

More information is available in English and in Spanish online.