Jackson Health System Partners with Religious Organizations to Give Access to the COVID Vaccine to Underserved Communities

What:

Jackson Health System has partnered with nearly 5 churches, synagogues and mosques in Miami-Dade County with the goal of reaching people who are age 65 and older in underserved communities who may have challenges with technology and are unable to secure an appointment online for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Jackson launched this initiative last week with 23 churches and vaccinated more than 1,600 people over the age of 65. Today, Jackson will vaccinate 2,095 members of these religious organizations at its three vaccination sites. The goal is to continue dedicating one day of the week to vaccinate members of these houses of worships as long as Jackson continues to receive vaccines from the state and there is demand from this group.

Historically, Black churches are the hub for information and resources, and our goal is to ensure that people of color age 65 and over have equal access to this vaccine. By partnering with these religious institutions, we are able to offer them these high-in-demand vaccine appointments.

Immanuel Temple A.M.E Church is among one of the Black churches enrolling members of its church, and other members of smaller Black churches. Since the program began, about 500 members of these churches have been able to receive the vaccine.

Today, Reverend John White from Immanuel Temple and its members will deliver lunches to healthcare workers at North Dade Health Clinic as a show of appreciation for making these vaccines accessible to its church members.

Media is invited to be part of the food delivery, and interview some of the members of Immanuel Temple as they get their vaccines.

Where:

North Dade Health Center
16555 N.W. 25th Avenue
Opa-locka, FL 33054

When:

Friday, January 22, 2021, 11:45 a.m.

Media Contact:

Danilo Santos
305-528-2199