Nancy Kirk, of Glasgow, sits as Sharon Ray administers a Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at the Ralph Bunche Community Center in Glasgow. One hundred vaccination appointments were filled Wednesday after Gov. Andy Beshear allotted several vaccines to be administered to underserved populations in the area.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. — As the one-year anniversary of the pandemic’s declaration in the United States falls Thursday, several people were vaccinated against the coronavirus at the Ralph Bunche Community Center in Glasgow.
Gov. Andy Beshear’s office allotted 100 vaccines for the clinic, which aimed to vaccinate underserved and minority populations. The Barren River District Health Department administered the vaccines.
Beshear held a virtual Zoom meeting with representatives from predominately Black churches. Two locals worked to bridge the gap within Glasgow’s Liberty District and those who live east of Columbia Avenue.
Joe and Randy Trigg, first cousins, organized the event.
“And we were going out, knocked on doors, and we asked folks,” Joe said. “And we were trying to key off on folks that were over 85.”
Trigg said many people in the area do not have internet access, phones or the means to transport themselves to a vaccination clinic. But most vaccines are only accessible through online registration or phone calls.
“The process isn’t designed for them,” Trigg said.
Several people were wheeled from their homes to the Bunche Center. Other were vaccinated inside vehicles.
Mary Lou Holman was one of the first in a wheelchair to be inoculated Wednesday. She said she was fortunate to receive the vaccine.
“Well, I wanted it cause I don’t want that stuff,” Holman said. “I don’t want that COVID-19.”
Holman lives along South Morgan Street, which is a block from the Community Center.
“I’m bedridden, and I thought, ‘well how am I going to get over to the hospital to get that shot?’” Holman said. “But I appreciate it being close to the house here.”
Malcolm and Nancy Kirk were some of the next people in line to get the vaccine. The husband and wife said they were seeking an opportunity to get the shot, but several time availabilities were already booked at other places.
“I was anxious to get the shot,” Malcolm said. “In fact, I’ve been trying for a pretty good while but hadn’t been able to get it.”
Trigg said some people weren’t interested in the vaccine due to fears and uncertainties, but he hopes to mitigate the confusion associated with the coronavirus vaccine.
“It’s important for everybody to get it. If you want to survive, you need to try to do something for yourself,” Nancy said. “To me, it’s scary not to get it.”
Another vaccination clinic is planned in April at the Bunche Center. The Barren River District Health Department will provide that date on their website and people can register online for the clinic.
“We’re going to reach out to that same group again and say, ‘hey, really, if you’ve got a heart beating and you want it, we’re going to try and get you a shot,’” Trigg said.