Cooper Doctor Speaks At Opening Of Camden COVID Testing Center

CAMDEN, NJ — Camden’s new COVID-19 Vaccination and Education Center opened on Feb. 26 with a virtual presentation from a Cooper physician to Camden ministers and faith leaders.

Dr. John Porter director for the Center for Trauma Services/Division Head of Trauma Surgery at Cooper University Health Care, was the guest speaker at the Camden Faith-Based Resources meeting sponsored by Camden County Metro Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.

Porter discussed the effectiveness and safety of the available COVID-19 vaccines and addressed questions from the community.

“As one of the hardest hit communities in Camden County during the COVID-19 pandemic, our goal is to remove barriers which may be limiting Camden residents’ ability to access the vaccine,” Cooper co-CEO Kevin O’Dowd said. “One of the ways to accomplish this goal is for Cooper experts to communicate directly with people who may have questions about the vaccine. Clear and reliable answers from a Cooper expert will enable residents’ to make fully informed choices about the vaccine.”

“Our team of doctors and educators will be scheduling sessions with a wide range of community groups and organizations to provide information Camden residents can trust to make informed decisions, which will hopefully encourage more residents to be vaccinated,” Cooper co-CEO Anthony J. Mazzarelli said.

In addition to the education sessions, Cooper created a video series featuring physicians on why they received the vaccine and encourage others to do so.

The first neighborhood-based COVID-19 Vaccination and Education Center is now open at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center, 1865 Harrison Avenue in Camden.

It will initially be open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The goal is to vaccinate 500 people a day, and hours will expand as vaccine supplies increase.

Vaccinations will be by appointment in accordance with New Jersey State prioritization categories. Multi-lingual staff will be available at the center to help residents sign-up for appointments and provide education on the vaccine.

Camden residents can schedule an appointment online at my.cooperhealth.org or call 856-225-6141.