By Cindy Bo Lead, Odett Stanley-Brown, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, & Cassandra Codes-Johnson
On Dec. 14, 2020, as the toll from COVID-19 surpassed 300,000 deaths in the U.S., the distribution of vaccines began across the country. For many, the vaccine’s arrival was met with hope and enthusiasm, while others reacted with fear and uncertainty. Plans to engage all members of the community and distribute the vaccine equitably are critical to our achieving a post-pandemic society. Vaccinating people saves lives but also requires trust, education and equity. We have to get this right!
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted minoritized communities in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more significant disease and 20 percent higher mortality rates from COVID among Black and Indigenous People of Color. This difference has led several healthcare and government officials to consider the BIPOC community a vaccination priority, although the communit