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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2021 |
Contact: Kathleen Bashur, NACDS (703) 837-4367 John Clymer, National Forum (202) 903-7303 Carolyn Clendenin, African American Mayors Association (347) 869-7382 |
Mayors Join National Forum, NACDS, AAMA, to Boost COVID-19 Vaccination
Local Leaders Urge Community Members to Get Vaccinated When Eligible
New collaboration builds on prior flu-focused initiative; features mayors from cities and towns across the country, urging COVID-19 vaccines when eligible and available
The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), and the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) have united to encourage Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The initiative focuses especially on reaching underserved communities and individuals hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Today, the allied organizations launched the campaign with a public service announcement (PSA) featuring Mayor Sharon Weston Broome of Baton Rouge, LA. In the 60-second video, Mayor Broome urges eligible individuals to get vaccinated to protect themselves, help end the pandemic and return to normal.
The newly-released PSA is the first in a series in which mayors throughout the nation talk about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, and what vaccination means to individuals, their families and their communities.
The COVID-19 vaccination initiative builds on a prior collaboration among NACDS, the National Forum and the African American Mayors Association during the 2020-2021 flu season – in which 10 mayors nationwide teamed up to raise awareness of flu vaccinations’ critical importance.
“I am honored to join Mayors across the country in the effort to encourage COVID-19 vaccination in our communities. The vaccines have proven to be effective in our fight against the coronavirus pandemic. I am confident this collaboration will encourage Americans in every corner of our country to seek vaccination and bring us one step closer to the end of this pandemic,” said Mayor Sharon Weston Broome.
“Mayors are trusted leaders and members of their communities. They are well-positioned to share the facts about COVID-19 vaccine safety and how people will benefit if they choose to get vaccinated,” said John M. Clymer, Executive Director of the National Forum. “People have questions about the vaccines. The National Forum is excited to work with mayors, NACDS and AAMA to answer questions and help people understand how vaccination will protect them and their freedom.”
“I am proud that the AAMA, National Forum and NACDS are taking a public stand to encourage people to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” said McKinley L. Price, DDS, President of the African American Mayors Association and Mayor of Newport News, VA. “I received the COVID vaccine and encourage others to get it as soon as possible. I know many people, particularly members of minority communities, are nervous, and that’s understandable. It’s important to know that the vaccine has been rigorously tested and approved. It will keep you safe while protecting those around you and is an important step in moving our community forward.
“I am a practicing dentist and had the opportunity to volunteer to vaccinate residents on a Saturday. It was so much more than putting shots in arms. I was able to see the joy and utter relief on people’s faces when they received the vaccine. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but we must stay vigilant to protect ourselves and those we love – get vaccinated, wear a mask, follow social distancing guidelines and wash your hands.”
“NACDS is proud to work alongside the National Forum and the AAMA and to engage in this community-based approach to building vaccine confidence and uptake,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. “Pharmacists, like mayors, are among some of the most trustworthy community messengers. NACDS looks forward to engaging in these critical conversations, and remains dedicated to swiftly, equitably and conveniently turning vaccine doses into vaccination appointments and to encouraging COVID vaccines as one of the vital steps communities can take to save lives, restore livelihoods and foster health and wellness.”
Visit http://bit.do/mwtmc19 to see additional videos and a current list of participating mayors.
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NACDS represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate nearly 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ 80 chain member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ nearly 3 million individuals, including 155,000 pharmacists. They fill over 3 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 900 supplier partners and over 70 international members representing 21 countries. Please visit nacds.org.
The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention brings together the most dynamic and diverse organizations in cardiovascular health, providing a forum and outlet for organizations to amplify their voices. Our members currently represent more than 80 national and international organizations from the public and private healthcare organizations, as well as faith, advocacy, academic, and policy settings. The National Forum is an independent non-profit, 501(c)(3), voluntary health organization. To learn more, visit www.nationalforum.org.
The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization exclusively representing African-American mayors in the United States. AAMA exists to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the African American Mayors Association includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management. To learn more, please visit www.ourmayors.org.