Politics & Government
Rep. Ruiz Calls On Pharmacies To Expand Vaccination In Poor Areas
Vaccine distribution has increased, but the hardest-hit communities in medically underserved areas are not getting their share, Ruiz said.
COACHELLA, CA — Congressman Raul Ruiz, who represents the Coachella Valley and parts of the San Gorgonio Pass Area, was in Coachella Thursday administering the COVID-19 vaccine to constituents.
Ruiz, who is a medical doctor, said “administering the COVID-19 vaccine to my constituents is like administering joy and hope directly into the community.”
Thursday's Rite Aid mobile vaccine clinic took place at Coachella Valley High School and was hosted in conjunction with Desert Healthcare District. Ruiz used the opportunity to encourage more retail pharmacies to prioritize hard-hit, medically underserved communities like those in his 36th district.
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“I have been advocating tirelessly for more vaccines to our district as we’ve experienced disparities in vaccination rates with Hispanics in my district comprising 47 percent of the population and 65 percent of COVID-19 infections, while only 19 percent of the vaccines," Ruiz said.
"Retail pharmacies like Rite Aid play a very important role in vaccine equity and ensuring the vaccine reaches underserved, vulnerable communities," he continued. "I will continue my advocacy for more vaccines for my constituents who need them the most so that we can quickly and equitably end this pandemic.”
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In addition to Rite Aid, Ruiz said he has written to CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart pharmacies urging them to prioritize hard-hit, medically underserved communities like his as they expand the number of locations offering vaccinations.
Rite Aid President and CEO Heyward Donigan said working with Ruiz "is a great step forward to ensuring vaccine equity in our communities."
“We are thrilled to partner with Congressman Ruiz and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on their first off-site vaccination clinic,” Donigan continued. “We’re eager to continue our work with local, state, and federal officials and community leaders to reach people where they live, work, play and worship, with the goal of widespread and equitable adoption of the vaccines.”
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