Md. officials work on community outreach, starting vaccine equity task force

MARYLAND – Following Thursday’s announcement from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, state officials are getting the ball rolling on community outreach and its vaccine equity task force. Friday, Maryland National Guard Brigadier General Janeen Birckhead and other state officials met with community members across the bridge to promote vaccine confidence.

This is all leading up to the creation of the task force, which will focus on making sure neglected communities in Maryland can get their share of COVID-19 vaccines. “I need leaders at the grassroots level to play a vital role. State leaders, elected officials, community organizers, and other leaders have a huge part to play. They also are the best people situation to know where the vaccine is getting sent,” said BG Birckhead.

Representatives from each county in the state will complete the task force. The task force will also help non profits and community organizations to serve vulnerable populations. “The equity task force will only add to and amplify their efforts. This is an all hands on deck response and we are actively engaged. The vaccine equity task force is here to make sure every Marylander knows that about it, and facilitates community vaccination,” said BG Birckhead.