A New Mexico book club changed gears during the pandemic – helping thousands of people in its community to get vaccinated against COVID-19, a report said.
The 11-member group – called The Fabulous Ladies Book Club – became involved in the effort when a member’s husband, Dr. Stephen Rath, opened a vaccine clinic in the village of Ruidoso, KOB reported.
Rath started the operation after a state health department official called for help.
“She said we had no one in Lincoln County who wanted or could vaccinate the public,” Rath told the agency.
“She said they had vaccines to send us if we could or were willing to open a vaccine clinic.”
The book club joined us helping to promote the new website.
“It was very difficult to get this out, reaching people we knew, getting calls from 7am on,” said member Alexandra Born to KOB.
“I had people texting me at 11pm. We are all trying to do a complete job all the time, ”she said.
The work of the book club did not go unnoticed. After appearing in the Washington Post, they received praise from former First Lady Michelle Obama.
“The Fabulous Ladies Book Club is an example of what is possible when people come together to help their community in times of need,” Obama tweeted.
“His incredible organizational work helped many people in his city to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine. Very well, ladies! “