Bergen Co. Group To Address Racial Disparity In Vaccine Rollout

PARAMUS, NJ — A new joint effort in Bergen County is looking to address the racial disparities of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the County of Bergen, Greater Bergen Community Action and the Bergen Coalition of Black Clergy have formed 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," they announced.

The first 35 vaccines were administered Friday to community and clergy members.

"This pandemic has highlighted healthcare inequity in many communities which can only be countered by putting our words into action," said New Bridge President and CEO Deborah Visconi. "Through this new initiative, our medical center will be a source of information and support, and work to ensure vaccination appointments are reserved and easily accessible for our Black and Brown neighbors."

Of the 139,337 doses administered as of Friday, only two percent went to Black residents, six percent to Latinos and sever percent to Asian Americans, according to a news release.

Having realized a problem, the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Team has been assembled to help adress it.

"The Black Church has been the safety net for our people throughout history and we continue to be," said Rev. Gregory Jackson, retired pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and coordinator of Bergen Black Clergy Against Covid-19.

"In this fierce battle for our lives, we sought as partners, institutions committed to bringing resources to people who are at great risk."

The COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Team will continue to schedule appointments for People of Color in the current priority group and to serve as an immediate and effective solution to common barriers by:

• Identifying qualified personnel who typically lack access, information and opportunity
• Providing assistance with the registration process
• Informing and educating the targeted demographic through trusted and knowledgeable sources
• Providing transportation to the vaccination site, if needed