SANTEE, SC (WIS) – For some, going to the COVID-19 vaccination clinics is a logistical challenge.
The NAACP branch in Orangeburg is looking to take the doses to them.
Branch president Barbara Johnson Williams said she recruited 10 institutions across the county (churches, barber shops and a pharmacy) to offer their spaces as vaccine clinics.
The county has mass vaccination clinics and street vendors, but Williams said the issues of transportation and trust got in the way.
“Some people are still not comfortable with the vaccine. The mistrust is so widespread until we have to take this information to the community, that there is no problem in taking it, ”she said.
She said the purpose of the localized spaces is to allow those without cars or access to public transport to be vaccinated.
Williams said the NAACP state office is working with DHEC in late March, early April for clinics.
DHEC has not yet responded, but it has manifested itself and acted in assisting rural communities.
One such location is Barber’s Loft in Santee. Co-owner Leonard Pelzer said the barbershop is a natural meeting place.
“Here is a place where everyone comes to relax. We talk about politics, we talk about religion, we talk about issues, ”he said.
The idea of a family environment was echoed by Rev. Birdie Taylor at First Providence Baptist Church at the end of the road.
“If you can’t trust the people in the church or the people in the church, my God, who can you trust?” she said.
DHEC data show that Orangeburg County is in the middle of the list of vaccination rates, with 2,249 out of every 10,000 eligible individuals having received a dose of the vaccine on March 13.
As of March 15, no COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Santee is accepting appointments (according to the DHEC vaccine locator).
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