In an effort to get Indigenous youth in the London region fully vaccinated before the end of summer, a new clinic described as "culturally aware" will be held next week.
The Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC), N’Amerind Friendship Centre, Atlohsa Family Healing Services, and the Middlesex London Health Unit will host the first of two clinics for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth aged 12 to 17 next Wednesday. The clinic at the N’Amerind Friendship Centre at 260 Colborne St. will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offer both first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Our youth have suffered throughout this pandemic, without the ability to connect to friends, family and community in-person,” N’Amerind Board Chair Brian Hill said in a statement. “Collaborations like this mean that we can increase comfort and access in a way that can help protect individual health and important community connections.”
The clinic is meant to reduce vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous peoples who may feel uncomfortable in traditional healthcare settings because of systemic racism and prejudice within the system.
“We are making great progress on vaccine distribution, but there is still an important road ahead,” said Brian Dokis, chief executive officer of SOAHAC. “We are committed to making sure that every Indigenous youth who wants a vaccine is able to access one, in a supportive setting.”
A culturally aware space was opened for Indigenous residents at the Western Fair Agriplex vaccination clinic in March. Culturally aware programs across southwestern Ontario have seen more than 7,000 vaccine doses administered.
A second one-day clinic will be held for Indigenous youth at the N’Amerind Friendship Centre on August 25.
Appointments for either of the two one-day clinics can be booked by calling 519-672-0131.
