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Spectrum Health holds first community COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Grand Rapids church

The health system says community clinics can remove transportation and technology related barriers.

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — In its over 80 year legacy, New Hope Baptist Church has served as more than a place of worship, and on Thursday it continued that tradition in opening its doors to Spectrum Health's first community COVID-19 vaccination clinic. 

"We always try to be intentional about meeting all needs," said Rev. Howard Earle Jr., senior pastor at New Hope Baptist Church. "I'd say no we probably didn't think that we would be the location of a vaccination clinic in the midst of a global pandemic, but it makes sense, you know."

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been slow to get off the ground nationwide, and the strain of a limited amount of doses has been felt throughout West Michigan. 

The demand has largely surpassed the supply, especially after more people (those 65 years and older and some essential workers) became eligible for the vaccine last week. 

Spectrum Health's trial run of a community clinic is a way the health system hopes to address systemic inequities and "meet people where they are," said Valissa Armstead, Spectrum's director of diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Armstead said New Hope Baptist was chosen for multiple reasons, including its location in the 49507 zip code, one of the hardest hit areas in Kent County where a large portion of the city's Black population lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black and Latino communities statewide and in Kent County. 

"This is a prime example of what we can do to help eliminate the disparities within our own community," Armstead said. 

Two-hundred-fifty people ages 65 years and older received their first vaccine dose Thursday, and another 250 people are scheduled for a second community clinic in Wyoming on Friday. Both clinics are on public transit lines and were scheduled out by phone, instead of online. 

Volunteers from Spectrum Health, Kent County Health Department and community organizations collaborated to make the clinics possible, Armstead said. 

Watch: Rev. Earle held a Q&A with Spectrum Health Dr. Lisa Lowery to share vaccine information

Clinics for second doses will take place next month at the same locations. Armstead said there will be more to come about future first dose clinics. 

Earle says he's hopeful New Hope Baptist can continue to be a hub and hopefully be a site for even larger numbers of vaccinations, as many people weren't able to get into the first clinic. 

"We know that the demand still exceeds the supply. But, we also know though that there are a number of barriers, especially in the 49507 zip code," Earle said, which is why he says the church immediately agreed to host the clinic. 

"We want to serve as many people as we can."

Spectrum Health has administered 40,313 doses of the vaccine. The health system, which is the largest in West Michigan, has 46,320 doses on hand and 29,575 of them scheduled for use. 

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