Run by Black Doctors at Liacouras Center – until tomorrow noon, Feb 20
Sponsored by the dynamic Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, a major clinic has been opened at the spacious Temple University Liacouras Center at 1715 Broad Street. It will operate continuously through mid-afternoon tomorrow, February 20.
Service will be on a first-come, but priority will be given to the most vulnerable residents. There are separate lines for “1B” Southwest seniors residing in Zip codes 19142, 143, and 153 – all considered “hot spots” for the deadly virus.
Those 75 old and up are encouraged to bring some ID which identifies their residence – a utility or cable bill. Those most at risk like first responders, public transportation workers, people who work in childcare or long-term health care facilities, teachers and high-volume retail or manufacturing workers should bring appropriate proof of such employment.
First dose vaccinations are emphasized since the first shot of the vaccines is 85% effective in preventing symptomatic disease within 15 to 28 days – according to a study at an Israeli government medical center. Appointments for second doses will be scheduled on site.
Dr. Ala Sanford. founder of the Consortium suggested that friends and neighbors might take the extra effort to bring an elderly or disabled person who needs a ride. Those wishing to pre-register should contact
“When African Americans have represented more than 50% of deaths from COVID, I think we need to do better, and that’s what I’m focused on and have been from the beginning,” Stanford said.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, while 40% of Philadelphians are Black, they have received about 20% of the more than 156,000 doses administered in the city, though that number has steadily improved.
Locally and nationally, Black Americans are more likely to be hospitalized and die of COVID-19 per the private Pew Research Group and US Government authorities. Medical leaders are fighting hard against rumors spreaders and conspiracy theorists that suggest incorrectly that the pandemic is a hoax and that vaccines are either unsafe, ineffective, or unnecessary – all of which views are “dead wrong.”
For more coronavirus coverage, visit inquirer.com/coronavirus
(Information for this article was collated from outside sources by Globe Times staff)