Ensure COVID-19 Vaccination Equity in Greenbelt

March 29, 2021

Mayor Colin Byrd, Mayor Pro Tem Emmett Jordan, and Council Members J Davis, Silke Pope, Leta Mach, Ed Putens, and Rodney Roberts; City Manager Nicole Ard and Assistant City Manager David Moran,

There has been much national reporting about racial disparities in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination effort. See, for example, Latest Data on COVID-19 Vaccinations Race/Ethnicity (Kaiser Family Foundation, March 17, 2021), which compiles data by state. Statewide, for Maryland, Blacks and Hispanics have received disproportionately fewer vaccinations than whites compared to population and case demographics.

% vaccinations % cases % deaths % population
Black 21 33 35 30
Hispanic 4 19 9 11
Asian 6 3 4 6
White 66 40 52 55

Vaccination rates in Prince George’s County lag behind state and national rates (Here is a detailed picture of vaccination across the country. See where your county stands, Washington Post, March 28, 2021)

County % vaccinated State Average U.S. Average
Total 10.5 15.2 14.7
Age 18+ 13.5 19.5 18.8
65+ 33 42.2 45.9

Though numbers for Greenbelt appear to be unavailable, let’s assume the same patterns hold true for Greenbelt:

  • lower vaccination rates for Blacks and Hispanics than for whites, and
  • an overall lower general rate than the Maryland or U.S. average.

Within these disparities, in the next few months, perhaps by sometime in May or June, the challenge for the vaccination effort in Prince George’s County and Greenbelt will change from how to find scarce doses in the current limited supply to how to encourage those who are holding out for whatever reason when ample supply is available.

An article in the Washington Post about vaccine hesitancy in health care workers (More than 4 in 10 health-care workers have not been vaccinated, Post-KFF poll finds) puts the number of undecided or who would decline in that profession at around 30%. 1 in 6 indicated they would quit if their employer required vaccination. The article noted that “Race is one of the strongest predictors of vaccine disparities.” A recent study by Carnegie Mellon puts the hesitancy numbers at 23% (see Who isn’t getting vaccinated and why from Vox).

We recommend that the Council and City take concrete steps to advocate for equity in vaccinations and assist in their delivery as part the “Public Health/Safety” and “Racial Equity” priorities in the 2021 City Council Workplan. These approaches will cost very little or no money:

1) Messaging

  • Use “please get vaccinated” messaging on the City website and social media channels, in the News Review Municipal section, and on email and letter communications.
  • Messaging resources include:
  • Put up roadway banners in the three main Greenbelt locations.
  • Create  posters to complement the Mask up posters through the city.
  • Use mobile electronic traffic message trailer signs on major roadways in Greenbelt if the City has them, or see if one or two could be borrowed.
  • Start each Council meeting with a review of vaccinated numbers from the Prince George’s County dashboard. Work with the County to get numbers for Greenbelt and track numbers by race and gender.

2) Public Forums and Dialog

There are valid reasons for questioning the value, safety, and importance of this vaccination program, especially from BIPOC residents who know the history and legacy of racist mistreatment, neglect, and abuse by public health programs in the name of medical science.

  • Hold one or more Town Halls to listen to concerns and offer education and encouragement. Stephen B. Thomas, Director of the Maryland Center for Health Equity would be a great choice if UMD would support with guest panelists. Feature stories of residents who have been vaccinated.
  • Hold a Council Work Session to collaborate on more ideas to encourage vaccination and hear concerns.
  • Reach out to neighborhood leaders to understand what is happening in the various neighborhoods in Greenbelt regarding vaccination access and hesitancy.

3) Local clinics

We just heard this morning that FEMA will establish a local vaccination site at the Greenbelt Metro Parking lot perhaps as early as next week — that’s great news.

  • Engage the whole community in a volunteer program to coordinate rides for those needing transportation. Assist with filling out forms and child care.
  • Let residents know how to register and make appointments if required.

4) Resources

The following resources may be helpful for the City in planning how to advocate for equity in vaccinations.

Biden commits $10 billion to close racial and other gaps in vaccine coverage: Drawing on funding from the American Rescue Plan, the administration will pump money into community health centers, along with other initiatives (Washington Post, 3/25/21)

Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force
The Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force (VETF), led by Maryland National Guard Brigadier General Janeen Birckhead, will work with the state’s 24 local health departments to focus COVID-19 vaccination efforts on underserved, vulnerable, and hard-to-reach populations to ensure the equitable delivery of vaccines.

Thanks for your consideration, Greenbelt Racial Equity Alliance