Chris Taliferro
Westside Black elected officials show support for Loretto Hospital
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Several lawmakers held a press conference Saturday to voice support for the beleaguered hospital for the way it has distributed some of its COVID-19 vaccine supply.
AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/loretto-hospital/page/2/)
Several lawmakers held a press conference Saturday to voice support for the beleaguered hospital for the way it has distributed some of its COVID-19 vaccine supply.
But the demand for shots is much greater than the supply, said hospital CEO and President George Miller Jr. Loretto is partnering with community groups on the weekends, in addition to giving shots during the week at the hospital.
Chicago has moved to phase 1B of vaccine distribution, which includes people 65 and over and many essential workers. While some people are jumping at the chance to get the two shots, concern remains over misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine, especially among African Americans. The Westside Health Authority’s Good Neighbor Campaign held a meeting last week aimed at debunking misinformation and encouraging Austin residents to get vaccinated as soon as they can.
Loretto Hospital hosted a virtual town hall last week featuring medical experts discussing the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, and the importance of having people of color participate in the clinical trials.
The 30th annual event – which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 12th at Columbus Park Refectory – will include Christmas gifts for children 12 and under. Space is limited to the first 200 families; the deadline to register is Monday, Dec. 7.
A “no shave” in November event will bring men together to talk about their health while raising awareness about cancer. Stop by AJ Styles Beauty & Barber Salon, 6624 W. North Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22. Also this month, uninsured and underinsured Austin residents can get a free prostate screening at Loretto Hospital.
Through the end of October, uninsured and underinsured residents can be screened for breast cancer at Loretto Hospital. Some restrictions apply, and same-day appointments are available. Call 833-TLH-LOVE.
The city shut down the Columbus Park testing site in July. Residents can be tested at four other Austin locations, including Loretto Hospital and PCC Community Wellness Center.
Gift of Hope and Loretto Hospital are celebrating National Minority Donor Awareness Month with a series of activities at the hospital, including an hour-long virtual conversation about health disparities and organ donation on Aug. 19th.
SEIU Illinois has announced that the nearly 200 workers it represent at the Austin hospital have authorized a strike as early as July 20. SEIU accuses Loretto of unfair labor practices and failing to bargain in good faith. The hospital says it’s “offered favorable terms, especially in light of the current economic environment.”