BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York opened eight pop-up vaccination sites in minority communities throughout the state on Monday, including one in Buffalo that gave more than 250 doses to eligible people in the Black and brown community.
The vaccination site at St. John the Baptist Church was created as part of Governor Andrew Cuomo's pledge to provide doses to the minority communities that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among those who received the vaccine in Buffalo today was Rev. Michael Chapman at St. John the Baptist Church.
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) January 25, 2021
The 250 people who received the vaccine at the church today will get their second dose next month. pic.twitter.com/lYMBfS5bbn
"It has taken more lives of people of color," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said at the church. "Almost double the number of Blacks and browns have died compared to the white population. It is critical that we get into these communities directly in a place where it's accessible and easy for them to get into."
New York State is reporting more than 34,000 COVID-19 deaths statewide. While most of the people who have died in New York State are white, the rate of death is higher within the Black community. According to state figures, Black people represent 9% of the state population outside of New York City, yet 14% of the COVID-19 deaths. White people outside of New York City represent 74% of the population and represent 70% of the deaths.
Monday's pop-up site focused on vaccinating churchgoers in the Black community who are above the age of 65. Roughly 500 people in the church community wanted to get the vaccine, though St. John the Baptist's Reverand Michael Chapman said the first 250 were selected.
"As an African American, I can tell you that we're trying to do some myth-busting," Lavonne Ansari, CEO and Executive Director of Community Health Center of Buffalo, said. "We're no different than anybody else. We want to be educated. Once we're educated, we can make a decision if we want to take the vaccine or not."
Those who received their dose today will receive their second dose of the vaccine on February 15 at the church. No details have been announced on future pop-up vaccine sites.
