BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —Maryland now has a Vaccine Equity Task Force to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are distributed fairly throughout the state.
Governor Larry Hogan says, the task force, led by Maryland National Guard Brigadier General Janeen Birckhead will work with every health department in the state as well as community groups to ensure the “equitable delivery of vaccines".
According to state officials, the task force will use multiple data sources to determine underserved and vulnerable populations.
16a. Here are the data sources that the task force uses as they determine which populations need to be reached. pic.twitter.com/ql87qgKkvb
— Michael Ricci (@riccimike) March 4, 2021
Gen. Birckhead says the task force will facilitate discussions on vaccine allocation and ensure task force consensus is documented.
She states, "It is not a one-size-fits-all - this is why an assessment of each potential clinic site is so important".
To read Maryland's Vaccine Equity Task Force Operations Plan, click here.
This is the first vaccine equity operations plan in America.
10b. Growing disparities in these communities make it
— Michael Ricci (@riccimike) March 4, 2021
necessary to take intentional - concrete steps to mitigate the barriers and improve the rate of “vaccine in arms” in vulnerable populations.
13. The state has worked to develop processes which
— Michael Ricci (@riccimike) March 4, 2021
allow the Vaccine Equity Task Force the flexibility to overcome the technology gaps for appointments. It is not a one-size-fits-all - this is why an assessment of each potential clinic site is so important.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w64S51i27vQ
