"The Racial Roots of Vaccine Skepticism" is what an upcoming virtual roundtable discussion involving several state and local lawmakers is being called. WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with State Senator Jeff Irwin and Charles Wilson from the Washtenaw County Health Department about the planned community conversation on the racial roots of vaccine skepticism as part of Black History Month.
An online community forum is planned for this coming Wednesday, February 10, 2021 to talk about “the racial roots of vaccine skepticism.” The event is part of Black History Month, which is taking place this year in a pandemic as vaccinations have begun against the COVID-19 virus.
Charles Wilson with the Washtenaw County Health Department, who is one of the forum participants, says they are committed to making sure all residents are fully informed about the vaccine.
Another forum participant, State Senator Jeff Irwin, says they have a responsibility to help answer questions people might have about the vaccine and says anyone with questions can reach out and ask.
Senator Irwin also said he is working to make sure Washtenaw County receives its fair share of vaccines to accommodate the people who have already qualified to receive one.
Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, along with Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive for the state, are also participating, as well as 12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and state representatives Felicia Brabec and Ronnie Peterson.
It is scheduled to begin at 7 PM and will be viewable on Senator Irwin's Facebook page, as well as elsewhere.
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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu
