WBNA Lead in Providing Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations

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The United States and other governments in the world are engaged in a massive effort to vaccinate populations against COVID-19. Various organizations around the world have devised innovative ways to reach marginalized populations with the vaccine. Leading the way, the Wichita Black Nurses start the trend.

1. Wichita Black Nurses Association On A Mission: Leaders in Reaching Minority Communities With Free Vaccine

 On March 8^th, 2021, National Institute of Health (NIH) Nursing Research director Shannon Zenk addressed the consequences of structural racism. He directed organizations to close the resulting disparities in healthcare. By partnering with Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD), the Wichita Black Nurses Association (WBNA) took up the challenge. WBNA has been able to reach hundreds of people of color with COVID 19 vaccines. As the true leader of both nursing and black organizations to spearhead such a feat, the WBNA will lead discussions of history for decades.

WBNA established free mobile vaccination clinics within churches in Wichita, Kansas. The first of such clinics was St. James Missionary Baptist Church. They also opened other mobile vaccination sites at Tabernacle Bible Church, St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist, and St. Mark United Methodist. They intend to continue reaching people of color and minority communities with COVID 19 Vaccines, bridging the gap in healthcare disparities. The WNBA is on a mission to vaccinate thousands in the black and brown community of Wichita, KS, and are already on path as they approach the two thousand mark. In addition to SCHD, the WNBA have partnered with several businesses and organizations and have added a COVID-19 schedule and locations portal for schedules and information about the vaccine at www.wichitablacknurses.org. Donations, aid, and grants are welcomed and have been accepted for both the community residents and volunteers, for the efforts of this mission.

2. Houston Emergency.Org Providing Free Vaccine

Since January this year, The Houston Health Department has allowed Houstonians at the highest risk of COVID-19 to schedule for a free vaccine. People aged 65 and older or younger populations with at least one chronic medical condition can register for the vaccine through online registration. This group is classified under phase 1B of the state of Texas vaccine distribution plan, with healthcare workers being grouped as phase 1A. The department also established a COVID-19 call center where residents can schedule vaccine appointments.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, while lauding the health department, reported that they are doing a phenomenal job. He noted that the online process and the call Centre make the vaccination process quite efficient.

3. Columbus Emergency Management Agency Holds Free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic At Cascade Hills Church

On 9^th April, a free COVID-19 clinic was held at the Cascade Hills Church in Columbus. The vaccine was available to anyone 16 years or older. Cars were lined up at the churches’ parking lot from 9.00 Am up to around 2.P.M.  Chance Corbett, the director of the Columbus Emergency Management Agency, noted that this would be the last mass vaccination site within the Columbus Civic Center area. The event was notably successful with vaccine recipients who don’t lie in the “high-risk” category.

4. Ghana Receives The First Free Coronavirus Vaccines To A Nation Through The UN’s COVAX Program

Ghana is the first country classified under low and middle-income countries to receive free vaccines through the COVAX program.  600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were delivered in Accra, Ghana, on February 2021. The COVAX Program intends to roll out COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries at the same time when rich countries are vaccinating their populations.

Ghana, a nation of 30 Million people, rolled out the vaccine, with priority being given to health workers and adults aged 60 years or older.

5. UAE COVID-19 Vaccine. Free Vaccines For All Residents Aged 16 And Above.

The Ministry of Health and prevention announced free vaccines to all UAE residents. This comes 6 weeks after the ministry had prioritized the elderly, health workers, and vulnerable groups. Since March 21, all residents aged 16 and above have been able to book vaccine appointments. The Ministry of Health reported that vaccines will be accessed free at over 205 health centers. There are currently four vaccines available in the country. Sinopharm, Pfizer, Sputnik V and AstraZeneca.

Wichita Black Nurses Association

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wichitanurses@gmail.com

wichitablacknurses.org

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