The INSIDER Spring/Summer 2021

Texas College Hosts Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

The COVID-19 vaccine is administered to a Texas College student at the campus’ vaccination clinic on May 22.

COVID-19 vaccination numbers across East Texas are lower than the rest of the country, and within minoritized populations, the vaccination rates lag even further behind. To help combat this vaccination disparity, Texas College partnered with District 3-Northwest City Councilwoman Dr. Shirley McKellar and the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) to bring a COVID-19 vaccination clinic to the Texas College Campus. Dr. Cynthia Marshall-Biggins, Vice President for Student Affairs, coordinated efforts with Dr. McKellar and NET Health to ensure ample staff, nurses, and vaccines were in place for a successful clinic open to the community at-large, as well as students, alumni, faculty, and staff, on Saturday, May 22, in the D.R. Glass Library. “The College was very excited to partner with NET Health and Dr. McKellar to host the vaccination site and assist the community of North Tyler,” noted Dr. Marshall-Biggins. "I wanted to keep myself safe, my family safe," said Clara Madison, a Texas College student that received the COVID-19 vaccine at the clinic. “My parents are elderly, so I want to be able to be around them more. I want my family to be able to go out and enjoy ourselves without being scared." Sherona Ray of Gale Healthcare, who assisted with staffing needs for the clinic commented, “I commend Texas College for doing this, showing the African-American community of Smith county that they care about their staff, their students, and just the whole community.” Rev. Ralph Caraway, the pastor of St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler, also commended the College’s clinic, “Their outreach efforts were a success. Their location made it possible for many people to just walk to the clinic site. Texas College is a recognized institution in the African-American community and Tyler and their participation in hosting clinic sites puts a spotlight on their service to the community as well.” Dr. Richard Hackney, a member of the NET Healthcare Task Force, also lauded the College for a successful clinic.

14 The INSIDER │ Volume 16