As vaccination eligibility continues to expand, CD 10 is ramping up efforts to serve local and disadvantaged communities. In partnership with the Los Angeles’ CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Southern California Eye Institute, and Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, the CD10 field office, slated to become the South Los Angeles Homeless Outreach and Coordination Hub this summer, has become a mobile vaccination hub.
“There is no greater threat to our future and overall health of our City than COVID-19. This vaccine event is part of our concerted effort with community partners to address disparities in access,” said Councilmember Ridley-Thomas.
“Vaccine is our best chance at reducing the death and suffering caused by COVID-19. Individuals should get vaccinated because it reduces the burden of the pandemic within the community, reduces the amount of people that get admitted into hospitals, and reduces the amount of death. Overall, it’s critically important. In the long run it’s important, because we want to achieve herd immunity, which means that the overall pandemic will then die down. Which is where we want to be, because we want our schools open, we want to be able to do things like go to games, see movies, and interact with others,” said Dr. Varma, Chief Medical Officer of HPMC and CEO of SCEI.
Over the past few months, CD10 has used a wide range of strategies to reach vulnerable communities including collaborating with community based organizations on grassroots outreach, bringing clinics to local parks, fire stations, and field offices, offering walk-up opportunities, and linking residents to complimentary rides through Uber.
“My hope is that equity-focused mobile sites like this one will help provide equitable vaccination distributions to underserved communities – which will help lead the City of Los Angeles out of the pandemic,” said Councilmember Ridley-Thomas. “Equity is our north star, and if we are going to get out of this pandemic, we have to do it as a community, one shot at a time.”
To make an appointment click here or visit myturn.ca.gov.