Durbin Discusses Equitable COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution with Illinois Vaccine Corps Partnership
SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke with representatives from multiple community-based organizations that make up the Illinois Vaccine Corps Partnership. The group is dedicated to ensuring equitable distribution and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, and briefed Durbin on their efforts to utilize trusted community leaders to expand access and promotion of COVID-19 vaccines across Illinois communities. In the meeting, Durbin discussed his efforts to improve the distribution process and the importance of passing President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which includes funding to support vaccine distribution, address health disparities, and expand the health workforce with an emphasis on recruitment from communities of color.
“It was great to hear from these community leaders about their impressive efforts to build trust and equity in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. This pandemic has highlighted the alarming disparities in our health care system, and it is essential that we focus our response and recovery efforts on closing these gaps in racial and ethnic health outcomes. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan can help improve our distribution process and tackle health disparities. I’m grateful for the work that this partnership is already doing on the ground to educate and support Illinoisans who are eligible to be vaccinated,”Durbin said.
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