Reaching the underserved: Henry J. Austin Health Center in Trenton administers more than 10,000 COVID-19 vaccines

The Henry J. Austin Health Center has administered more than 10,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines since the nonprofit received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine on Christmas Eve.

Based in Trenton, the center is a federally qualified health center, which is a community-based health care provider that receives funds from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to provide primary care services in underserved areas.

Since receiving the vaccines, the health center has worked to prioritize vaccinating essential health care workers, staff and high-risk and vulnerable Trenton residents in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We are thrilled to be vaccinating our community members. We all collectively play a role in bringing our families, schools and workplaces back to normal,” said Dr. Racheal Evans, chief medical officer of the center. “Our hope is that we continue to contribute to eradicating the COVID-19 virus.”

The center is currently administering the Moderna vaccine directly to their patients and community members. The center also offers the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine for vulnerable populations that may have a hard time scheduling a second dose.

“Administering vaccinations to our community members has been the highlight to what has been a transformative time for us all. Receiving the vaccine has been an exciting moment for so many of our vulnerable population, but the most important part is, it’s essential,” said Lakeisha Cooper, director of nursing at the center.

On a weekly basis, the center receives a fixed number of vaccines based on state guidelines. Vaccines are available to those who live or work in Trenton, to existing patients of the health center, or to people who are members of an underserved communities the center serves. To sign up or refer someone else who qualifies and needs a vaccine, visit https://henryjaustin.org/covid/.