The head of Akron’s NAACP chapter says communities of color are struggling to get the COVID-19 vaccine because of equity barriers such as transportation and internet access. The organization is working to better connect those communities with the vaccine.
Judi Hill says people of color are still finding vaccines inaccessible, despite the newly opened mass vaccination site at the Summit County Fairgrounds.
“Mass vaccination clinics are really designed for people who have a car, people who have access. Again, something that we know is an issue for people of color and people who don’t have the financial means,” Hill said.
Although 20% of Ohio’s vaccines are supposed to go to people of color, Hill is discouraged vaccination clinics are so far outside of their communities.
“Why can’t we bring it to where the people are?” she said.
The Akron NAACP is working with other community organizations to set up smaller, easier-to-get-to vaccination sites. They’re also helping people without internet access sign up for vaccine appointments.
Hill says the way to sign up for a vaccination is a barrier to many in these communities.
“We take for granted that everybody has an email address, and they don’t. There are a lot of people who need this vaccine who only have phones they buy at the store,” she said.
Hill says the Akron NAACP has already helped more than 600 people who may not have internet access sign up for appointments.
If you need assistance getting an appointment, you can call the Akron NAACP at 330-573-4986.
