Bergen Equity Team Hosts Ramapough Lenape Nation Vaccine Clinic

MAHWAH, NJ — The first of three coronavirus vaccine clinics for members of the Ramapough Lenape Nation took place over the weekend, and served as a welcome trend for the community in Mahwah.

"It's long overdue and I'm overjoyed that the county has stepped in ... to make it happen," Chief Dwaine Perry told News 12.

"Going forward we're looking for more robust participation as word gets out and people understand that there's a way you can actually get vaccinated," he added.

The vaccination clinic was orchestrated by the Bergen County COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Team, a collection of four organizations looking to address the racial disparities of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

"This morning as part of our vaccination equity team’s ongoing effort to reach communities across the county to help ensure vaccination equity and social justice, New Bridge Medical Center and the County set up a vaccination clinic today at the community center of the Ramapough Lenape Nation in Mahwah," said County Executive Jim Tedesco on Facebook.

"My administration is committed to maintaining positive and open lines of communication with Chief Perry and the Lenape people as we continue to fight our way out of this pandemic together, one arm at a time."

"Today we had the privilege of meeting with Chief Perry as we, along with our partners in the COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Program, traveled to Mahwah to vaccinate members of the Ramapough Lenape community. We thank them for opening their doors and rolling up their sleeves as we work together to ensure equitable access to vaccinations to help end this pandemic," Bergen New Bridge officials said.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the County of Bergen, Greater Bergen Community Action and the Bergen Coalition of Black Clergy make up the COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Team. The group has reserved weekly vaccination appointments at the Alternate Care Annex site for "Black and Brown Bergen County residents." Read more: Bergen Co. Group To Address Racial Disparity In Vaccine Rollout

In addition to the equity team, Bergen County is working to make scheduling appointments easier for some seniors.

Bergen County and new Bridge launched a COVID vaccine call center earlier this month to assist in scheduling the remaining residents who preregistered for the vaccine through the county's website. Read more: Bergen County, New Bridge Launch COVID Vaccine Call Center

The operation has now transitioned to take incoming registration calls for Bergen County residents aged 75 and older from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, county officials announced. Read more: New Bridge COVID Vaccine Call Center Opens To Some Bergen Seniors

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