Press Release

NTCA Encourages Members to Learn More About COVID-19 Vaccine in ‘Worth A Shot’ PSA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Lauren Gaydos, 703-351-2015

Arlington, Va., (April 8, 2021)—In support of its work on behalf of small broadband providers, sponsorship of the Group Health Program (GHP) insurance plans and advocacy for rural America, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today released a public service announcement sharing members’ perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine and encouraging others to learn more about vaccine safety and effectiveness. 

The “It’s Worth a Shot” video features members of the NTCA GHP Trust Committee, NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield and other rural telecom industry leaders sharing why they are getting a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 560 NTCA member companies are currently enrolled in the GHP health and wellness plans, covering more than 40,000 individuals across rural America. For participants in the program, vaccines are 100% paid by GHP like other preventive care benefits. GHP provides medical, wellness, dental, prescription drug, group life, long- and short-term disability and accident coverage options.

As vaccine distribution into rural communities has created barriers for many, NTCA also is in frequent discussions with the Public Engagement Office of the White House to advocate for solutions and joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ national COVID-19 Community Corps to help build vaccine confidence.

“As an employer, sponsor of the NTCA Group Health Program and advocate for rural America, we are very focused on supporting the future health and safety of our fellow Americans,” said Bloomfield. “I am encouraged by the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine and believe we are now on the path to return to work, resume business and reconnect in person. While I know the decision to get a vaccination is a really personal one, for me, it is about personally and professionally being able to carve a path forward.”

Click here for more about NTCA’s benefits program. 

 

###

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovative change in smart rural communities across America. In an era of transformative technological developments, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are advancing efforts to close the digital divide by delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks. Their commitment to building sustainable networks makes rural communities fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org.