May 25, 2021
Media Contact: Cat Long, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-363-0933
DIVERSITY RICHMOND OFFERS COVID-19 VACCINES TO THE COMMUNITY
RICHMOND, VA – Diversity Richmond is holding a COVID-19 vaccination event Wednesday, May 25. Any adult ages 18+ can walk up to receive the Moderna vaccine between 9 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 3:30 p.m. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts’ clinical staff and volunteers will run the clinic.
“We are grateful to Diversity Richmond for their long standing partnership,” says Amy Popovich, Nurse Manager at RHHD. “They’ve been welcoming to us and the community, offering their support since the beginning of the pandemic.”
While the vaccines are available to everyone, offering COVID-19 vaccines in an LGBTQ+-friendly space has potential to reduce barriers. The LGBTQ+ community faces health disparities and are statistically less likely to have insurance and many have reported experiencing discrimination in healthcare settings.
“Diversity Richmond has been a place for LGBTQ+ individuals to feel safe, gather, and thrive together,” explains Bill Harrison, President and Executive Director. “It seemed natural to us to provide COVID-19 resources… we always try to be responsive to our community’s needs.”
RHHD and Diversity Richmond staff are optimistic that vaccine availability will allow for more opportunities for in-person social connection.
“I think one of our collective strengths in the LGBTQ+ community is a deep sense of connection, love, and support for one another,” explains James Millner, Director of VA Pride. “COVID-19 vaccines are slowly making it possible for us to be together in person again.”
This event and all other COVID-19 vaccine opportunities can be found at vax.rchd.com or by calling 804-205-3501.
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About Richmond and Henrico Health Districts: RCHD and HCHD are sister public health agencies serving Richmond’s and Henrico’s communities. Our mission is to expose and address the root causes of health disparities, protect health by preventing the spread of disease, and build health equity by partnering with communities and working collaboratively across sectors.