Local health departments in the Tri-county are now working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Outreach Teams to raise awareness about the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine clinics and other various recovery services. Working through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the State of Illinois, a team has been deployed to work with Peoria City/County Health Department, Tazewell County Health Department, and Woodford County Health Department to prioritize areas in need of vaccination.
Building on local efforts to educate the community on COVID-19, as well as the vaccination response, the FEMA team in the Tri-county is prepared to meet the public at area events, faith communities, business locations, and vaccination sites throughout the summer. Prioritizing equity and accessibility for all, the FEMA team will interact with individuals to educate on COVID-19 updates, answer frequently asked questions, debunk myths, and provide vaccination clinic sites.
Monica Hendrickson, Administrator Peoria City/County Health Department, encourages community interaction, “The FEMA team has expertise to help us inform our residents of current and accurate COVID-19 information. Watch for them throughout the region at community events and welcome them in your neighborhoods. They are here to talk with you about your COVID-19 questions.”
The FEMA team has 6 members from throughout the nation. Team members can be identified by their FEMA vests and local health department badges. Members will be talking with people at public locations and in neighborhoods but will not be going door-to-door.
