According to a recent report by Governor DeWine, the African American population of Ohio is significantly underrepresented among those vaccinated. According to DeWine, statewide only 5% of those vaccinated are African American. Within Hamilton County this number is 11%, however this does not reflect countywide demographics where African Americans make up approximately 25% of the population.

Improving equitable distribution of vaccine is a priority for Hamilton County and a plan developed by the Hamilton County Public Health Department (HCPH) has been submitted to the Governor’s Office requesting more vaccine doses to be provided to local health centers that have traditionally provided services to underserved communities. HCPH has also hired a health equality coordinator, to help in the implementation of vaccine distribution.

Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health is having a series of Town Halls for several specific underserved communities in an effort to insure all Ohioans have access to information needed to make informed decisions about the COVID-19 vaccines. These Town Hall meetings will air on public access television on the Ohio Channel. Dates and times are:

Saturday, Feb 27, 6pm African American Ohioans, 7pm Hispanic/Latino Ohioans.

Sunday, Feb 28, 2pm African American Ohioans, 3pm Hispanic/Latino Ohioans.

Saturday, March 6, 6pm Asian American & Pacific Islander Ohioans, 7pm Rural Ohioans.

Sunday, March 7, 2pm Asian American & Pacific Islander Ohioans, 3pm Rural Ohioans.