Until now. “This is the culmination of everything PESA has learned about COVID vaccines,” says Amster. It wasn’t an easy process, to say the least. The event took weeks of planning, discussions and meetings with the Los Angeles County Department of Health, leaders of the two schools, outreach to the community and coordination with Curative, which administered the vaccines.
“Going into the day, we had 60 appointments,” says Amster, but the event was open to walk-ins, as well, and the community did a fantastic job of spreading the word. “We ultimately had more than 150 people show up.” Everyone waited patiently for the opportunity to receive the lifesaving vaccine—and everyone who wanted it got it.
“We were able to make this a reality, because what PESA does so well is we listen,” says Amster. “With this effort and so many others that PESA engages in, we assess a need, gather information, listen to the thoughts and input of the affected community or group, and then formulate an action plan. It’s really become our hallmark.”