JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Want to give your mom the best gift for Mother’s Day? Give the gift of health at the COVID-19 Vaccine and Health Fair hosted by Indelible Solutions and the Duval Department of Health on Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Master’s Touch Ministry, 4510 Soutel Drive in Jacksonville. The free vaccine site will administer Pfizer vaccines and will include booths for health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, HIV/STD testing), educational information on healthy lifestyle activities, food, and music. Confirmed vendors attending and on-site services include Northeast AHEC, Dedicated Health, Wellcare, FAMU Health Screeners, Humana, an HIV Screening Truck conducted by CAN Community Health, Realign Massage Services, STAT Training Solutions, The McMillan Agency, and Zumba activities. Those interested in receiving a free vaccine should register in advance at www.VAX904.com, but walk-ups will be welcomed based on pre-registrations.

The COVID-19 Vaccine and Health Fair is specifically aimed at driving up the numbers of minority and underserved communities getting vaccinated. In Florida, just 8% of vaccines have been received by African Americans and 24% have been taken by Hispanics.

Congressman Al Lawson said, “This pandemic has brought the inequalities amongst minority communities to the forefront of our public health conversation. Our families have seen the devastating effects of this virus more so than any other community. It’s our job to lead by example when it comes to getting this vaccine and restore the fractured relationship between healthcare and persons of color. I got my shot and I’m encouraging everyone to get theirs.”

Josh Hay, partner, Indelible Solutions, said, “Our team has been on the ground for weeks canvassing communities and speaking directly with Jacksonville residents about getting vaccinated and hesitancy is very common. Many communities of color have a history of negative experiences with the healthcare system and don’t feel comfortable taking the vaccine without being properly educated on the effects. That’s why the VAX904 Initiative is so important. Our mission is to provide fact-based information to improve awareness, educate residents and provide access to the vaccine. We’ve seen great success utilizing our medical team to answer questions and deter misinformation about the vaccination process and we’re improving community trust around public health.”

Rep. Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) said, “We must do everything possible to work with the community to build trust and acceptance in the COVID-19 vaccine. Considering that African Americans are nearly 3x more likely to end up hospitalized and nearly 2x more likely to die from COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy in these communities is a major crisis. I’m proud to work with Indelible Solutions and the State of Florida to help bring attention to this issue and ultimately, encourage more people to get vaccinated.”

Councilmember Terrance Freeman said, “If we are going to change the narrative of this pandemic we must work together to build trust and empower families with accurate information. COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted communities of color, but there is still time to address these disparities before we witness a secondary public health crisis. Together, we will build bridges of trust so that we can protect the health and safety of people who are often overlooked. I got my vaccine not just for my protection, but to protect my family, my neighbors, and everyone in my community.”

The COVID-19 Vaccine and Health Fair is part of a collaborative effort to reach minority communities and urge families to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Confirmed vendors participating in the Fair include Northeast AHEC, Dedicated Health, Wellcare, FAMU Health Screeners, Humana, an HIV Screening Truck conducted by CAN Community Health, Realign Massage Services, STAT Training Solutions, The McMillan Agency, and Zumba activities. Indelible Solutions is a Jacksonville-based, minority owned business with a proven track record of working with state and local governments to effectively execute programs, ensuring they are equitable and accessible to those who need them the most.

For more information, please contact:
Anna Farrar
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 954.647.7059

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