As we enter the final days of summer, our state is seeing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. We know that this increase is in large part due to the Delta variant, which is proven to be more transmissible, and the stories we are hearing out in the community are frightening and certainly anxiety-producing.
Since the start of this year, our respective organizations, the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation and the NC Rural Center, have been part of a broad statewide coalition of nonprofits and government agencies working in partnership to address the questions and concerns of rural residents about COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout.
What strikes us most in our conversations with people throughout the state is the overwhelming desire to find a sense – any sense – of normalcy. Our children are finally returning to school, our businesses that have suffered over the last 19 months are finally opening, and we all want that to continue. We all want to be able to book that trip to the lake or mountains, to watch our kids enjoy a little league game this fall, or to safely visit our families this holiday season. Yet, with cases of the virus headed in the wrong direction in all communities in North Carolina, we will likely all see our future plans change yet again, and the renewed enjoyment of life we were beginning to experience again, disappear.
What can you do? How can you ensure not only safety for your family, but also that you can get back to doing what you love and making lifelong memories for your children?
The very best way that you can ensure a sense of normalcy for yourself and your family is to get vaccinated. The data shows COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against hospitalization and death from the virus, and with cases increasing rapidly, there is an urgency now more than ever to get vaccinated. We know that many people are hesitant, have questions, and are uncertain about what is best for them, and those feelings are real and valid. Confiding in your personal doctor or a trusted advisor privately may help you sort them out, and in turn, protect your health and wellbeing, as well as the safety of your family.
We urge you to talk with your doctor, seek resources to guide you in your decision, and make an appointment to be vaccinated as soon as possible — so you can enjoy your life again.
Kelly Calabria is chief executive officer and president at the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation and Patrick Woodie is president of the NC Rural Center, two organizations that are members of the North Carolina Rural Coalition Fighting COVID-19, along with Hometown Strong, North Carolina AHEC, and the Governor’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, who are working the NC Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health.
