CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- As the COVID-19 vaccine supply expands in our region, local churches are lending a hand with their own facilities. News 3 spoke with leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to tell us more about their efforts to get residents vaccinated.
Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jackson County residents can visit the clinic at Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Senior Pastor Ronald R. Chambers says this is a chance for underserved communities in the area to have a more convenient option for the vaccine.
"With the like-minded of the spirituality that we have within the church and what it means to the community, we would be a safe haven to help people and persons out with these situations or even with the fears or reservations for taking this shot," he said.
A.M.E. liaison and pastor, Garry Mitchell, says the church has a history of motivating and helping others during a health crisis in the 1800s.
"There was a pandemic in Philadelphia where the church was founded and those early A.M.E. people served in a pandemic when there was no vaccine, we're grateful to be in a pandemic when there is vaccine. Let's go get the vaccine," he said.
Both say they hope people understand the benefits of the vaccine.
"I think all of us should be prone to get this vaccination shot so that it can help each other. Because the thing about it is that it's not so much about you getting this vaccine, it's about the person next to you or the person that's in your house hold," said Chambers.
To register, click or call the Vaccination Appointment Call Center: 833-621-1284.
This isn't the only church hosting a vaccine clinic this weekend.
New Zion Baptist Church will host one this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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