Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep Terri Sewell (AL-07) visited the Cahaba Medical Care Vaccination Clinic at Bessemer City High School, a one-day community vaccine clinic, to discuss with health officials, local leaders, and constituents the need for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Alabama. 

“I thank Cahaba Medical Care and all of the Federally Qualified Health Centers located across Alabama that are answering the call to keep us safe,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “Community vaccination sites, like the partnership of Cahaba Medical Care and the Bessemer City School system, have proven to be successful in ensuring equitable distribution of the vaccine.”

“Last week, I was proud to join my House Democratic colleagues in passing the American Rescue Plan, which will provide direct support to open more of these clinics to get as many shots as possible into the arms of our neighbors, our loved ones, and our most vulnerable,” continued Sewell. “It is my hope the Senate will act quickly to pass this bold, comprehensive legislation to fund a $20 billion national COVID-19 vaccination program. This program will set up community vaccination sites, like the one I visited in Bessemer, to eliminate vaccination shortages and distribute vaccinations equitably and efficiently.”

Background on Cahaba Medical Care:

Cahaba Medical Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that has eleven locations in the 7th Congressional District and seventeen total across the state of Alabama. Cahaba Medical Care’s health centers provide comprehensive primary care services, including treatment and management of chronic and acute diseases; preventative care and cancer screenings; pediatric care; women’s health services; prenatal care and obstetrics; dermatological services; geriatrics; sports medicine services; mental healthcare; dental services and much more.

Background on American Rescue Plan

The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion stimulus package that will provide crucial aid to families, workers, and communities suffering from the health and economic crises caused by COVID-19. The bill passed the House last week and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. Among its many provisions, it will get shots in arms with a coordinated, $20 billion nationwide vaccine program to:

• Make sure we have enough vaccines for all Americans through research, development, manufacturing, production, and purchase.
• Get those vaccines out to all Americans quickly and equitably through community vaccination centers, mobile vaccination units and more.
• Improve communication to strengthen confidence in the vaccine and make sure all Americans know when, where and how they can get one.

More details on the American Rescue Plan can be found here. 

Videos and photos of Rep. Sewell meeting with health officials, local leaders, and constituents can be found here.