DeKalb CEO Thurmond: ‘All Americans must ban together to stem the tide of this deadly disease’

STONECREST–A team of DeKalb County healthcare workers were busy on Friday administering COVID-19 shots to registered senior citizens. Four lanes of vehicles formed at the drive-through set up on Jan. 15 at the future home of the Stonecrest City Hall complex located at 2929 Turner Hill Road. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond came out to get the vaccine around 11 a.m. and was assisted by DeKalb County’s Board of Health Director Dr. Sandra E. Ford.

“All Americans must ban together to stem the tide of this deadly disease,” Thurmond told media attending the event.

COVID-19 vaccines among DeKalb County’s minority communities remains low. As of Thursday, Jan. 14, only 10% of residents identifying as Black had received the vaccine. According to a study led by Yale University researchers, Black Americans are 3.5 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than white Americans. Additionally, the study team found that Latinx people are almost twice as likely to die of the disease, compared with white people.

The DeKalb County Board of Health’s supply of the COVID-19 vaccine currently remain limited. Officials say, however, everyone who desires the COVID-19 vaccine will ultimately be able to get a shot during their assigned rollout phase. , Until additional vaccines become available and registration and appointment scheduling resumes, officials are asking for everyone’s patience and understanding during this process.

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond receives the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan 15, 2021 from Dr. Sandra E. Ford. Photo and video by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com

See video: https://youtu.be/mIhwLFhYcV0