Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY WERE YOU THERE?
TEA-TIME WITH PLESHETTE – URBAN COVID CONVERSATIONS WITH FRONTLINE WARRIORS by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard
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here has been an urgent push to reach underserved communities with the hope of raising awareness and educating people of color about COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Unfortunately, there have been some challenges surrounding the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to the most at-risk communities. Many have questions about equitable access to the vaccine, while others express deep-seated mistrust in receiving the injection. In order to overcome the disparities that currently exist, these issues need to be surmounted. The nation’s goal is to get as many Americans vaccinated against the disease as possible within the next few months. In Sacramento County, approximately 15,000 doses have been given to the county to be dispersed to multi-health organizations. Regrettably, supplies are limited, and the demand exceeds the supplies on hand. Dr. Kasirye oversees the Public Health Agency in Sacramento county. The county has been working tirelessly to reach the underserved to get them vaccinated. These communities have been hardest hit and have the highest number of COVID cases. According to a Sacramento County Public Health dashboard, there have well over 1500 deaths reported due to COVID-19. In an effort to drastically reduce those numbers, the county is offering testing and vaccinations. In March Pleshette Robertson, Chief Editor of THE HUB Magazine and Founder of Sacculturalhub.com held a special Tea Time virtual session with Dr. Kasirye and Pastor Les Simmons of South Sacramento Christian Center to discuss updating individuals on what’s here in the community and what’s coming regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. “The thing about public health is that it is only effective if we are able to make a connection with the communities because we are depending on the community to listen to us and be able to follow our guidance,” said Dr. Kasirye. Dr. Kasirye recommends that you contact the public information portal, 211, to get information on COVID-19 testing sites and where you can schedule your second appointment for the vaccine. The phone access line is now set up to give information. She also recommends you contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about contraindications. It is imperative to reach the underserved, mainly the African American community. | 2 4 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E
Unfortunately, this is because a large census of African Americans has been decidedly apprehensive about getting the vaccination. Pastor Simmons and the South Sacramento Christian Center family have been tremendous advocates for the 95823 community and the surrounding areas. His love for his community is obvious. Recently, Pastor Simmons and his wife received the vaccination. He said his wife is naturally analytical, and she had some reservations prior to getting the shot. Pastor Simmons pointed out the negative history surrounding the Tuskegee Syphilis study, the story of which is still reeling in the minds of Black people. Many Black men and women are asking, “Am I being experimented on?” Pastor Simmons wants to set the record straight, the main objective in getting people vaccinated is to save their lives, not to experiment on them. We can rebuild our trust by starting to believe in the people who are on the frontlines for us and in people who look like us. Dr. Kasirye also lends her endorsement to the vaccines that are being offered. She said all of those being distributed are safe and effective. Another concern for people has been side effects. Dr. Kasirye stated that the risks of severe illness and
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