Permanent Vaccine Site Opens At South Mountain Community College
Download mp3 (1.12 MB)
The HeroZona and Equality Health Foundations have worked on pop-up vaccine distribution sites in underserved areas of the Valley.
Now, they’ve launched a permanent vaccine site at South Mountain Community College in south Phoenix.
HeroZona founder Alan Powell says South Mountain Community College in south Phoenix has been helping underserved areas since the start of the pandemic.
The areas surrounding South Mountain have been hit hard by COVID-19. To Powell, the choice to open a permanent vaccine site there seemed like the next logical step.
“The main reason why we want to make sure that South Mountain Community College becomes a permanent site is that they’re a trusted partner in the community, and we had actually done our COVID-19 testing there, and at the time it was the first of its sort,” said Powell.
Another goal of Powell’s is to clear up misinformation and remove the stigma surrounding receiving the vaccine. HeroZona is working with various elected officials, advocacy organizations, and religious organizations to build trust in the surrounding community.
“It does seem like there’s reluctancy, sometimes with people and taking the vaccine, but once they see somebody who looks like them, or somebody they look up to take the vaccine, then it’s kinda been like a follow-the-leader process,” said Powell.
The site will provide the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Hours and available appointments will hinge on supply, but Powell says HeroZona and Equality Health are looking to open up multiple sites in underserved areas.
EDITOR'S NOTE: KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.
