WSOC-TV collaboration removes technology, transportation barriers to vaccinate 1,114

For months, we’ve told you about all the COVID-19 vaccination clinics in our area. Saturday for the first time WSOC-TV and Telemundo Charlotte helped host one and 1,114 people were vaccinated.

The team effort brought over a thousand of our neighbors one step closer to normalcy and wellness.

To vaccinate our community, a group effort is needed.

Family Focus | WSOC-TV (L) Cedric Thomas, Cox Media Group VP/GM, is joined by the community collaboration from Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Northside Baptist Church.

At Camp North End on Saturday, the vaccination clinic showed how important working together will be to end this pandemic.

“We’re all trying to decrease the Covid-19 spread in our community,” said Meg Sullivan, medical director for Mecklenburg County Public Health. “We’re all trying to get people vaccinated and we’re all working together. I think that’s what [the] Covid response has been all about.”

This clinic served walk-ins as well as those with appointments in an effort to narrow the gap between those that do and do not have high-speed internet to register for those coveted appointments that get snapped up so quickly.

Members of Northside Baptist Church and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department knocked on doors in the Hidden Valley neighborhood to help those individuals register leading up to today’s clinic.

“From signing up people living in motels to knocking on doors, we were visiting churches, motels and asking neighbors to sign up for the vaccination,” said Veronica Washington, community outreach coordinator for Northside Baptist Church. “For people without access to the internet, our volunteers pulled out a laptop to signed them up on the spot.”

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offered free rides on all CATS transit services. In coordination with Mecklenburg County Public Health, the day of fare-free transit helped provide the Charlotte community with greater access to the mass vaccination event.

Family Focus | WSOC-TV Lt. LeBraun Evans, CMPD, (second from left) and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Cadets.

“Removing some of those barriers, like technology and transportation, can ensure they get the vaccine. That was extremely important,” said Lt. LeBraun Evans, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department community engagement team.

Those from the Charlotte Progressive Firefighters Association were among those administering vaccines. This group of Black men and women firefighters were specially trained to do the task.

Family Focus | WSOC-TV (L) Capt. Jackie Gilmore, Charlotte Fire Department.

“It’s what we do. Just to show support. There’s always strength in numbers and I just try to do my part.” said Capt. Terrell Washington, Charlotte Fire Department.

Family Focus | WSOC-TV (L) Capt. Terrell Washington, Charlotte Fire Department.

The fight against the virus isn’t over yet. We may have gotten up off the mat. We still have a long way to go to win, but with every shot we’re heading back.

“Having an event here, it kind of relaxes things a little bit to help people feel good about being vaccinated. So, they know while we still have to wear our masks, we are one step closer to getting out of this situation,” said Tyler Means, preparedness coordinator for Mecklenburg County Health Department.

Our thanks to Mecklenburg County Public Health, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department community engagement team, Charlotte Fire Department Progressive Firefighters Association and Northside Baptist Church.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

SEE A GALLERY OF PHOTOS FROM THE DAY

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