Churches partner with Marion County Public Health Department to help people get vaccinated
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — All adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can now get a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot. The recommendation comes from the CDC, following an earlier decision from the FDA.
Some Indianapolis church groups are partnering with the Marion County Public Health Department to help increase the county’s vaccination rate.
On Saturday, the Baptist Minister’s Alliance, National Action Network of Indiana, Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis and the Marion County Health Department will host a Thanksgiving giveaway at three locations.
From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., church and city leaders will be at three churches to hand out turkey baskets with food and supplies for families.
The health department will also be at each location handing out at-home COVID-19 test kits and administering vaccines.
Everyone who chooses to get vaccinated will also get a $50 gift card.
Participating churches are:
- Olivet Baptist Church — 4141 N. High School Road
- Messiah Baptist Church — 5640 East 38th Street
- Purpose of Life Ministries — 3705 West Kessler Blvd. North Drive
Right now, the health department’s website says that 52% of the county is fully vaccinated.
The Rev. David Greene from Purpose of Life Ministries said that for many people living in impoverished communities, time and access to vaccines has been issue.
“Even some who believe in the vaccination, if they’re really struggling from paycheck to paycheck, they’re not willing to go and see for themselves. A lot of mothers make that decision daily, weekly and monthly,” said Greene.