In order to encourage more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Westchester County has produced numerous Spanish language public service announcements.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We want to reduce hesitancy in underserved communities and let people know the vaccine is safe and effective. Westchester County is committed to fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine and we want people to know, particularly our Spanish speakers and immigrant community, the vaccine is available and free.”
Below are the most recent:
Executive Director of El Centro Hispano Isabel Villar participated in one of the PSA’s. She said the non-profit organization participates in bi-monthly food distributions, making a Spanish speaking doctor available to answer any questions the public might have about the vaccine.
Villar received her vaccine and is advocating others to follow in her footsteps.
“I want to protect my family, I want to protect the community and everyone around us,” Villar said.
Director of Hispanic Health at Sun River in Peekskill, Wilfredo Morel, also appeared in the PSA campaign.
“Communicate with your doctor, communicate with your health center,” Morel said. “So that you can take it, or they can give you more information about it. I did it.”
One of those residents, Maria Elena Hernandez, received her vaccine after surviving COVID-19 and losing her own father to the virus. Hernandez said she couldn’t even say good-bye to him because of travel and quarantine restrictions and wants to encourage others to get vaccinated so less families can grieve.
“There are many people who do not want to be vaccinated, they say that it does not work or that it is not good but I know that if it is something that will help us all to be much better at a time that it is so difficult for all humanity, it’s good for all of us.” Hernandez said.
