This month we were honored to celebrate the 2022 Black History Month theme of Health and Wellness by partnering with community organization Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

On Saturday, February 19th, BWOPA hosted their COVID vaccination event, Black and Vaxxed, at our Ashland Clinic in effort to increase vaccine equity amongst Black community members. KBLX radio station was also there, broadcasting live from the event to help spread the word about the Saturday clinic to as many community members as possible.

All persons vaccinated at the event on February 19th left with their second dose scheduled for March 12th. Anyone who needs their first dose of the series is also welcome to the event on March 12th.

This event was also part of our efforts as a community health center to ensure that everyone in our community continues to have access to the care they need, especially continued access to vaccines and services.

According to state data, the COVID-19 death rate for Black people is 17% higher than the statewide average. Health disparities in the Black community have been exacerbated due to a mix of lack of access to health care, distrust of the vaccines, and higher rates of health complications like diabetes or heart disease.

By partnering with fellow community organizations, TVHC is focused on helping to close the gap of health inequities in the Black community by increasing outreach efforts, increasing vaccination rates, and increasing access to care for treatment of diseases including hypertension, colorectal cancer screening, and diabetes.

We are grateful for our partnership with BWOPA and other community organizations that share our goals of health equity!