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Area leader working to get more access to COVID-19 vaccine for Black community

PITTSBURGH — One area leader in the Black community is working to get more access to the COVID-19 vaccine for underserved areas.

“We do not need to be left behind,” said Tim Stevens with the Black Political Empowerment Project.

Stevens sent a letter to state and local leaders, asking for vaccination clinics to be set up in predominantly Black neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

“We will have to be creative about this, having vaccinations within the African American communities so those who live in those communities can walk or take a short bus trip,” he said.

It’s something the county has been working toward, partnering with companies to provide clinics in the Hill District and Homewood. The Allegheny County Health Department is working to get doses to people living in senior housing in Black communities. It all comes down to the lack of supply, according to ACHD.

“We continue to pursue as many innovative strategies as possible and will be able to do that more and more and reach all communities effectively once we have a more steady supply and predictability,” ACHD director Dr. Debra Bogen said.

Bogen said Tuesday during a news conference that there will be an increased number of doses shipped to the state in the coming week, something that is a positive step to getting the vaccine to everyone.