New report from Black Women Rally for Action
Although many California residents are under the impression that the COVID-19 pandemic has dissipated, the reality of the situation is that the disease is still taking far too many lives of African-Americans in comparison to their White counterparts.
As of May 31, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department had reported 142 new COVID-19 cases within the Black community in just a week alone. Los Angeles hosts a large number of newly diagnosed COVID cases among African-Americans, rounding out at 185,974 (at press time) and 3,325 deaths in total since the beginning of the pandemic.
According to Black Women Rally for Action, 66.7% percent of Black Los Angeles County residents 12 years and older have received the initial COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, 78.7 % of residents ages 65 years and over have received the initial COVID-19 vaccine as well. 24.9% of Black youth twelve years and older have received an updated booster dose. 43.8% of seniors 65 plus have received an updated booster also.
With summer underway, Bivalent Boosters and preventative resources are available for those with severe physical illness resulting from COVID-19. Public Health continues to provide easy access to free resources including vaccines, boosters, tests, and therapeutics. Residents with disabilities and without computer access can contact the Public Health Vaccine Call Center at (833) 422-4255 from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven days a week..
For residents wanting more information about vaccination, they can contact the California COVID-19 Hotline at (833) 422-4255. Kedren Health in South LA is free, requires no health insurance, and has Moderna, Pfizer, Janssen, and Novavax available from Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (323) 233-0425.
Free testing sites are available at county-run facilities. The federal government, each household can request four free tests via the US Postal Service. Contact Public Health Multi-Service Vaccination sites for hours and locations.
Residents in need of therapeutics and medications can contact the Therapeutics/Medications Warmline at (866) 268-4322 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. This resource is readily available for those who have disabilities and do not have a computer. Public Health also has a telehealth line, (833) 540-0743, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
