Southern University System launches statewide COVID-19 vaccine campaign for minority populations

The Southern University System will launch a statewide campaign today to encourage Black and other racial minority groups to get vaccinated against COVID-19.  The campaign, “Don’t Wait. Vaccinate!,” is a response to disappointing data that continues to reveal that ethnic minorities, who are disproportionately affected, are not getting vaccinated at a rate large enough to overcome this global pandemic. Joining Southern are the Southern University Alumni Federation, more than 100 faith-based individuals and associations, as well as civic, fraternal, and social organizations. A press conference detailing the campaign will be held today at 10 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room on the campus of Southern University and A&M College. The press conference will be streamed live at https://youtu.be/zeMDM-KI_RU.

“As the only historically Black university system in the country, located right here in Louisiana, it is our obligation to ensure that African-Americans and other ethnic minorities are well informed about the dangers of COVID-19 and the significance of getting vaccinated,” said Ray L. Belton, president-chancellor of the Southern University System.

The grassroots, research-based campaign will engage Southern University alumni and other stakeholders across all 64 Louisiana parishes. The System also aims to provide resources and content area experts from relevant programs across its five campuses, including Southern Baton Rouge’s College of Nursing and Allied Health.

“We are in a crisis,” said Domoine D. Rutledge, chairman of the Southern University Board of Supervisors. “The pandemic has impacted the lives of thousands of Louisiana residents. Our institution is well equipped to respond to this pandemic. In partnership with our Governor, the Louisiana Department of Health, elected officials, and community leaders, we will beat this pandemic.”

The campaign’s strategies include social media, public events, and advertising to provide factual information about the vaccine, including access.

Upcoming events include:

• March 27, vaccination event with Ochsner Health-Baton Rouge, F.G. Clark Activity Center
• April 10, SU Vax Day, mass vaccination event, nine sites including SU System campuses
• April 17, Bayou Classic education and vaccination event
• May 4, webinar “What’s the Difference? Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna vaccines”

 

For more information about the campaign and events, visit www.sus.edu/vaccinate or email vaccinate@sus.edu.