- Only 11% of the Hispanic Population Under the Age of 65 in Orange County is currently fully vaccinated
- Goal is to provide convenient and accessible neighborhood-based vaccination locations
Irvine, CA (June 28, 2021) – Orange County United Way has partnered with Edwards Lifesciences Foundation and Providence Health to bring free COVID vaccines to all people of Orange County, with a focus on the community’s underserved populations.
To date, more than 600 individuals have been vaccinated at 12 different events since the neighborhood-based pop-up and mobile clinics began on June 8. There are more than 50 vaccination events scheduled over the next couple of months.
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency’s data reported on June 20, 2021, of the population under the age of 65, only 11% of the Hispanic population is fully vaccinated, while 12% of the Asian Pacific Islander population is fully vaccinated, and less than 1% of the Black population is fully vaccinated, compared to 18.3% of the White population.
“It’s crucial that members of our underserved populations in Orange County get access to the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO, Orange County United Way. “Our goal in holding these pop-ups is to ensure that the vaccine is conveniently accessible to people across our community, but especially to those in high-need areas. For many, we know that the priority remains on work and family life demands, but we want to see all people, especially multigenerational households, protected against this illness so that they can thrive for years to come.”
Event locations include various public schools, local businesses, and faith-based organizations, as well as apartment communities across Orange County. For a full list of upcoming Orange County United Way COVID vaccination locations, people can visit: https://www.unitedwayoc.org/events/covid-vaccine-locations-orange-county/.
“Providence is pleased to partner with Orange County United Way and Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, two organizations that share our vision of outreach to those who are vulnerable. It’s our privilege to work together to provide the life-saving vaccine that has allowed California to begin returning to normal. We can only ensure COVID-19 cases continue to fall if we all do our part and get the vaccine,” said Teresa Frey, RN, MSN, and Regional Chief Quality Officer, Providence Southern California Region.
“Edwards’ Lifesciences’ Credo is focused on helping patients. Our employees care about patients and helping the communities where we live and work, and we are proud to support efforts to vaccinate more people in the community and protect their health at this important time,” said Amanda C. Fowler, Executive Director, Edwards Lifesciences Foundation. “Our partnership with Orange County United Way and Providence brings each organization’s strengths to support our hard-to-reach communities.”
Every person who receives a vaccine at an Orange County United Way designated site will receive a $25 Target gift card.
In order to receive a vaccine at one of the scheduled locations, individuals must be 12 years or older, with a parent or legal guardian present for children ages 12 to 17. No health insurance or identification is required.
Children ages 12-17 will receive the Pfizer vaccine while those 18 and older will have the choice to receive the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Walk in’s are welcome.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Today’s Orange County United Way is doing more for the Education, Health, Housing and Financial Stability of every person in Orange County. More than a fundraiser, we’re hands-on, delivering more than 50 Community Impact programs countywide. We focus on long-term solutions to the most critical interconnected challenges facing local children and families. FACE 2024 our 10-year community-wide action plan aims to cut the high school dropout rate in half, increase healthy youth by one-third, cut the percentage of homeless or unstably housed children and families in half, and reduce financial instability by 25%. United Way is doing more to make long-term measurable difference in the lives of children and families right here in Orange County. To learn more or do more with us, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, [email protected] or (949) 525-7024
