Wellmark COVID-19 vaccine clinic reaches 450 central Iowans
DES MOINES, IA – A Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield vaccination clinic for community members and employees has helped 450 central Iowans receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine clinics were held on April 17 and May 8.
Wellmark partnered with Urban Dreams, Hip-Hope Inc. and the Iowa Asian Alliance to promote the vaccination clinic among their respective communities and created public service announcement-style videos to continue educating on the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. MercyOne helped community members register for the clinic, had health care providers there to administer the vaccines and is following up with community members who could not attend the second clinic date.
"The COVID-19 vaccine is our strongest asset to end the pandemic," said Marci Chickering, Wellmark's chief human resources officer. "I want to thank our employees for taking time to get vaccinated and recognize each of our community partners for their efforts getting people signed up, encouraging their communities to complete the second dose and for donating their time to create videos to continue vaccine awareness."
The Wellmark videos featuring central Iowa minority community leaders talking about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine are available on the Wellmark YouTube page External Link. Videos available include:
- Izaah Knox — executive director, Urban Dreams and Bo James — executive director, Hip-Hope Inc External Link
- Nu Huynh — executive director, Iowa Asian Alliance External Link
- Alba Perez — Latino Community Leader (English) External Link
- Alba Perez — Latino Community Leader (Spanish) External Link
Note to media: Media outlets are encouraged to use the videos (or audio) with their respective viewers or listeners. A link to download the videos can be sent to media outlets upon request.
