The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MAISHA FIELDS, JESSICA PRICE, ANDREA
HERBERT, AND KELLY OSUNA
______
HON. JASON CROW
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of volunteers led by Maisha Fields, Jessica Price, Andrea Herbert, and Kelly Osuna for their work providing equitable access to the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine.
The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt in every corner of our community. Unfortunately, underserved communities have borne the brunt of the pandemic--with racial and ethnic minority groups contracting and dying from COVID-19 at a much higher rate due to discriminatory healthcare practices, lack of healthcare access, disproportionate representation in front-line occupations, and unfair and crowded housing conditions.
As the COVID-19 vaccine finally began its rollout, many breathed a sigh of relief as a return to normalcy seemed within view. However, community leaders like Maisha, Jessica, Andrea, and Kelly--who had seen first-hand the effects of inequity in our pandemic response--knew vaccine accessibility would not only face similar challenges reaching marginalized groups but would ultimately hamper our recovery and cost even more lives.
These four incredible women jumped into action and created a system of equitable vaccine clinics that operated throughout underserved communities in Arapahoe and Adams Counties. Their efforts included extensive collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, finding and securing accessible venues, and recruiting volunteers to work at the clinics as translators, organizers, and vaccine administrators. Despite working full-time, this group of women went on to hold over 150 equity vaccine clinics throughout our community--culminating in more than 50,000 people receiving life-saving vaccines.
Time and time again, it is community leaders like Maisha, Jessica, Andrea, Kelly, and their devoted group of volunteers who give me hope we can overcome any challenges that are thrown our way. I am honored to recognize this group of volunteers led by these four women and I thank them for their work putting our community on a path towards a more equitable and safe place to call home.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 213
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