AKRON, Ohio — Three new COVID-19 vaccination sites are opening in Akron to serve predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods.
One permanent site and two pop-up clinics will be operated by the state at the request of Sen. Vernon Sykes and his daughter, House Minority Leader Emelia Sykes.
- Two clinics will be held on Saturday, May 1 and Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to noon at the City of Joy Life Enrichment Center, 610 W. Exchange St. For information, call 330-687-1266
In a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine, the Sykes asked that more clinics be opened in Akron to help lessen racial disparities.
All Ohioans should have equal access to vaccination clinics, which means siting the facilities close to where they live, said Vernon Sykes in a release.
“I have received both doses of the vaccine, and I encourage all Ohioans, especially Black Ohioans, to do the same to protect themselves and their loved ones,” he said.
Statistics released by Sykes’ office report that 22.25% of Black Summit County residents have been vaccinated compared to nearly 42% of whites.
Summit County Health Commissioner Donna Skoda said she’s pleased the new clinics will be open and able to help reach more of the population.
Sixty-one clinics are now administering the vaccine in Summit County, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
The state’s COVID-19 social vulnerability indicator (SVI) estimates Blacks at a lower percentage for COVID-19 vaccinations than the 22% they are currently vaccinated at in Summit County, Skoda said.
The SVI refers to 15 variables that can weaken a community’s ability to ward off sickness, suffering and economic loss, helping officials identify what levels of support are needed.
But the number of people getting vaccinated is still low for a variety of reasons, Skoda said.
“Knowing that there is some inherent distrust, it may be access,” she said. “But honestly, I see vaccine hesitancy among all races and all religions.”
Out of about 60,000 Black residents in Summit County, only about 19,000 have been vaccinated, the state reported.
