MORTON GROVE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Cook County hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic Saturday afternoon at the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove.
County Board President Toni Preckwinkle noted during the event that Cook County just hit a milestone, vaccinating the 500,000th person. She said equity regarding vaccination access has been the priority.
"Equity also means meeting people where they are. That's why we're here to provide vaccine directly to residents in the community," Preckwinkle said.
Israel Rocha, CEO of Cook County Health, told WBBM the event was part of an initiative to reduce vaccine hesitancy.
"It is part of our campaign known as vaccines on the go partnering with individuals, more trusted voices in the community that can help educate and bring down the barriers against vaccine hesitancy," Rocha said.
Ishaq Lat of the Muslim Community Center noted the event occurred during Ramadan, which represents a time of service to others.
"For every 1,000 Americans that are vaccinated, 18 people will live. So we're hoping that 18 people will live as a result of our efforts," Lat said told WBBM.
Morton Grove Mayor Dan DiMaria said a thousand more vaccines is "good stuff."
