Norfolk, Virginia — Volunteer agencies play a key role in the vaccination efforts at the FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Center at Military Circle Mall. By working alongside federal, Commonwealth and local staff, organizations like the veteran-led Team Rubicon and regional leader in volunteerism VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads (VHR) are helping the mass vaccination site reach its goal of 3,000 daily immunizations. Their commitment is especially inspiring as April is National Volunteer Month.
“We are helping provide equitable access to vaccines across the Norfolk area and these volunteer organizations are some of our greatest allies. Together, we are ensuring our whole community effort has a positive impact on the communities we are serving,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator (A) Janice Barlow.
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads is leading the volunteer recruitment and management efforts at the Vaccination Center. With a 64-year history of mobilizing a robust network of volunteers to support non-profits and disaster relief efforts, the nonprofit will recruit and manage approximately 60 volunteers daily throughout the eight-week clinic. VHR volunteers are currently assisting with non-clinical vaccination activities, such as greeting and registering residents and monitoring them during the 15 to 30-minute observation period post-vaccine.
“We are pleased to partner with FEMA and extend our comprehensive volunteer services to assist with this massive vaccination initiative in our region,” said Stephanie Gorham, Executive Director of VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads. “We are also grateful for our donors and sponsors who continue to support our efforts as we respond to the ever-changing needs of our community throughout this pandemic.”
Likewise, as many as 12 Team Rubicon volunteers help guide local, pre-registered residents through the 15-minute process each day, which includes check-in, ID verification and the lifesaving shot itself. The Greyshirts, known for wearing their signature grey shirts with the Team’s red logo, assist by facilitating wheelchairs, providing information and other general support services.
“We are honored to be serving our neighbors in this life-saving vaccination effort that will help open up our country,” said Arun Iyer of Virginia Beach, who is leading the Team Rubicon effort at the site. “Team Rubicon leverages the skill of veterans to respond to disaster. We have been in the fight against this pandemic from the beginning and we won’t stop until we beat COVID-19.”
If you are 16 years of age or older, the FEMA-supported vaccination center is accepting walk-ins at the Military Circle Mall site every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or book an appointment directly at https://www.norfolk.gov/5025/How-to-Sign-up-for-Vaccine. For questions, call 877-829-4682.
Click here to learn more about VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and Team Rubicon.
For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.
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