Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Members Get COVID-19 Vaccine at Wellstar

Marietta, Ga. (March 24, 2021) — Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization and sisterhood of more than 350,000 predominantly Black, college-educated women members, have united to reach vaccine-hesitant populations by sharing personal “My Why” stories and reasons for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The National President and CEO of the sorority received her COVID-19 vaccine at Wellstar. The "My Why" video is here:

Who: Beverly E. Smith, national president & CEO of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., received her COVID-19 vaccine at Wellstar and joined Wellstar team members who are members of the sorority in sharing their personal reasons for getting vaccinated. A recent poll found that Black voters in Georgia are less sure about vaccine safety than another racial or ethnic group, with 36 percent reporting that they are unsure if the vaccine is safe or not. The video aims to tackle these concerns and offer hope for the future as more Georgians become fully vaccinated.

Community Resources: Wellstar Health System aims to vaccinate each of its patients who wants the vaccine and meets the Georgia Department of Public Health criteria. As more people become fully vaccinated, it is important for the public to continue practicing safety precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands, and watching your distance.

The public is also encouraged to learn more about the vaccines to make personal, informed decisions. Below are some Wellstar resources to help educate the community about COVID-19 and vaccines:

• Wellstar Health System COVID-19 Community Tool Kit
• Información para la comunidad sobre la vacunación COVID-19 en el Sistema de Salud Wellstar
• Top Takeaways about Pregnancy and the COVID Vaccine
• Wellstar COVID Myth Busters: MyWhy Part 1
• Covid Myth Busters: The Vaccine Was Developed Too Quickly
• Georgia Department of Public Health Vaccine Information

Consider Getting Vaccinated Now: Wellstar patients in the current eligibility groups are encouraged to visit the Wellstar MyChart scheduling tool to view available vaccine appointment dates, times, and locations. For more information, please call 770-956-STAR (7827) or www.wellstar.org. For people in the community who are not Wellstar patients or who would like to explore additional vaccine scheduling options, the Georgia Department of Public Health has detailed information about various vaccination sites in Georgia with guidance on how to schedule an appointment at https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine.

ABOUT DELTA SIGMA THETA

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities worldwide. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women studying at Howard University who wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence while assisting those in need. Since its founding, more than 350,000 women have joined the organization, making it one of the largest predominately Black sororities in the country. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has over 900 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, the Arabian Gulf, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Virgin Islands. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to guide national programs, initiatives, and strategic partnerships. To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, visit www.deltasigmatheta.org.

ABOUT WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM

At Wellstar, people are at the center of everything we do. By listening actively to what people want, need and expect from their healthcare, Wellstar is able to provide “More than Healthcare. PeopleCare.” — at every age and stage. Nationally ranked and locally recognized for our personal, high-quality care, inclusive culture, and exceptional doctors and team members, Wellstar provides access to compassionate, high-quality care through

our: 11 hospitals; 300+ medical office locations; 9 cancer centers; 74 rehabilitation centers; 3 hospice facilities; 1 retirement village; 29 imaging centers; 17 urgent care locations; and 5 health parks. As one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia, Wellstar is growing our services, footprint, capabilities, and ability to meet evolving patient needs. Our passion for people extends into the communities we serve. As a not-for-profit health system, we thoughtfully reinvest annually in prevention and wellness programs, as well as charity care for eligible patients. Our Wellstar Foundation also supports our mission to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve with funding for equipment, services, and programs that provide more than healthcare. To learn more about how Wellstar is always listening, learning, and tailoring care to meet patients’ individual needs, visit wellstar.org.