TEA-TIME WITH PLESHETTE – URBAN COVID CONVERSATIONS WITH FRONTLINE WARRIORS

Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

WERE YOU THERE? TEA-TIME WITH PLESHETTE – URBAN COVID CONVERSATIONS WITH FRONTLINE WARRIORS

by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

There 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. 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

Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

possible death from getting COVID far outweigh the brief side effects from getting the shot. She reminds us that side effects are just an indication of the body’s response to the anti-viral components in the vaccine. After being vaccinated, our bodies begin to produce antibodies to fight against the virus. That is what we want to see happen.

“We want to lift up our precious communities,” said Pastor Simmons.

Dr. Kasirye has a vested concern for the Black community as well. She pointed out that a number of unfortunate disparities still exist. Because of those disparities, our people are being slighted.

“We have already been seeing disparities in the vaccination roll-out, so we are trying to catch up with the underserved communities to make sure we get the vaccine to them,” said Dr. Kasirye.

Pastor Simmons chimed in with his observation about the same dilemma. “I think there has to be a consistent effort of advocacy and awareness. We cannot be left behind when it comes to an equitable way vaccinations are being rolled out,” said Pastor Simmons.

Our host, Pleshette Robertson, facilitated an extraordinarily rich and informative discussion. She closed it by saying, “It’s about safety, security, and saving lives.” There are resources available for everyone, and it is recommended that we get tested and get the vaccine. After all that has been said and done, Pleshette and the panel agree that the bottom line is “saving lives.” n

You can revisit and view the video at: http://www.facebook.com/Sacculturalhub1

This was a special Tea Time with Pleshette was presented by the Sacramento Black Media Coalition. Supported in Partnership by Sacramento County, Sacramento County COVID-19 Collab, and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. For more info and resources, go to: www.saccovid19collab.org.

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