Submitted by Joyce Jones
MIAMI, FL – As in so many aspects of American life, access to coronavirus testing, treatment, and vaccines is an equity issue. Across the state, Black people have tested positive for the virus at twice the rate of whites and the vaccination rate is equally dismal. The numbers are particularly dire in Miami-Dade County communities like Opa-Locka, for example, where 53 percent of the population is Black and living in poverty and the vaccination rate is the lowest in the state.
The good news is that the Biden-Harris administration has helped make possible a mass vaccination site on the north campus of Miami Dade College, which will significantly increase access to this life-saving medication. It is in keeping with the president’s commitment to creating sites that can responsibly handle large volumes of people seeking vaccines and to increase access to low-income and minority communities.
“I am proud of my work with the administration to set up a site in the heart of my district, which will make the vaccine more accessible and convenient to receive for the people who need it the most. From the start of vaccine distribution, I have been a vocal and fierce advocate for vaccine availability at community health centers including Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., Borinquen Health Care Center, Inc., and Broward County Community Family Health Centers, Inc.,” said Congresswoman Wilson. “Miami-Dade County and District 24 in particular are home to a significant proportion of Miami’s frontline and other essential workers and it is critically important to do everything possible to protect their health considering their high level of exposure to the greater public. Keeping them healthy and safe helps keep us all safe. This is literally the shot in the arm that our county needs.”
The federally supported site will open on March 3, operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and administer 2000 vaccines per day. The site also will have two mobile units equipped to administer an additional 500 doses each daily in minority and underserved communities.
To register, call the designated phone number for the county or visit myvaccine.fl.gov.
