The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) have teamed up to offer a one-stop shop for COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Vax-Up Manatee Coalition partners attended the opening news conference on Wednesday (June 16) at the COVID-19 testing and vaccination site located at the Palmetto Bus Station (1802 Eight Avenue West in Palmetto).
The bus station sits in ZIP code 34221, the ZIP code showing some of the lowest COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates and some of the highest numbers of COVID-19-positive cases in the county.
Dr. Jennifer Bencie, DOH-Manatee Director, delivered opening remarks reminding the public that COVID-19 remains a serious threat to public health and encouraging everyone to get tested and vaccinated and continue to following the prescribed prevention measures. She also thanked local businesses that are providing incentives to members of the public to get vaccinated and introduced our vaccine hesitancy consultant.
The opening news conference was well attended by Vax Up Manatee coalition partners showing a communitywide support for this most important message. LWVMC is a Vax Up Manatee Coalition partner. Photo – Ruth Harenchar (R), Healthcare Chair and Diana Shoemaker (L), Social Issues Co-Chair attended. Center is Tarnisha Cliatt, President and CEO Manatee County Black Chamber of Commerce.
