In Tuskegee, Painful History Shadows Efforts To Vaccinate African Americans
A lingering mistrust of the medical system among many Black people is rooted in the infamous 20th century U.S. study of syphilis that left Black men in Tuskegee, Ala., to suffer from the disease.
February 21, 2021, 6:54 AM
A participant in the Tuskegee Study in the 1930s. A lingering mistrust of the medical system among many Black people is rooted in the infamous study.
A lingering mistrust of the medical system makes some Black Americans more hesitant to sign up for COVID-19 vaccines. It has played out in early data that show a stark disparity in whom is getting shots in this country more than 60% going to white people, and less than 6% to African Americans. The mistrust is rooted in history, including the infamous U.S. study of syphilis that left Black men in Tuskegee, Ala., to suffer from the disease.
A lingering mistrust of the medical system among many Black people is rooted in the infamous 20th century U.S. study of syphilis that left Black men in Tuskegee, Ala., to suffer from the disease.
VAntage Point
VA nurse, “Tuskegee daughter,” urges Veterans to learn about vaccines
Acknowledging African American distrust of the health care industry
As a daughter of the City of Tuskegee, I embrace her proud history. Tuskegee Institute, now University, the prolific George Washington Carver and the legacy of the courageous Tuskegee Airmen, are among the first topics that I’m asked about when I meet people who are not from the area.
Some people even ask if I know Lionel Richie, which always makes me smile.
Invariably, conversations turn to another, less welcome topic – the shameful Tuskegee Syphilis Study that remains a scourge on my beloved hometown. Lately, the experiment is being talked about in news reports as the disproportionate impact of the Coronavirus on people of color increases.
Veterans health care facilities should strive to provide immediate mental health care for any who request it, the leader of the Department of Veterans Affairs said Wednesday in Atlanta amid concern in neighboring Alabama that average wait times are too long.
Central Alabama veterans facility receives first COVID-19 vaccine shipment
Central Alabama veterans facility receives first COVID-19 vaccine shipment By WSFA Staff | December 22, 2020 at 2:56 PM CST - Updated December 23 at 4:41 PM
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System has received its first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. April Truett, the facility’s vaccine coordinator, said they will start their vaccination program with employees, and then move on to the veterans.
She said they’ve started vaccinating high-priority groups and various employees who have inquired about interest. More vaccinations are scheduled through next week.
She said their goal is to get every employee vaccinated as soon as possible and also get started with the high-risk veterans.