Your Church Can Help Provide COVID-19 Vaccines

by Sharon Mager

COLUMBIA, Md. — The Maryland Army National Guard is seeking churches that are willing to become COVID-19 vaccination centers.

Ellen Udovich, the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware’s (BCM/D) consultant for Community Engagement, says even small churches can help. “A vaccine event for only 25-50 people is still successful because people who need shots may not have hours to wait in line at larger venues or may not have transportation or internet access to register,” she explains. Udovich encourages ethnic churches to participate since they can be a comfortable trusted resource and can provide translators if necessary.

Harold Phillips, the BCM/D’s president, also encourages churches to participate. Some people are confused as to how and where to get vaccines, and don’t have access to the Internet, he explains.

Though all churches are welcome to apply, there are particular target “hot spot” areas including Prince George’s, Montgomery and Baltimore counties.

“Every church has something to offer, even if it’s helping get the word out or sending volunteers to support an event elsewhere in the county,” Udovich says.

Phillips says becoming a vaccination site can help churches to continue becoming essential in their communities. Churches close because they are not essential, he explains. Phillips says churches should consider the question, “If your church closed, would you be missed?”

“This is going to be a long-term process,” Phillips said. And this is a great opportunity.

Necessary forms are shown below and should be returned to [email protected].

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Community Request – Covid Vaccines

If you or your church is able to participate, please notify the BCM/D via email for possible photos and information for articles and/or social media posts.