I am encouraged by the relatively rapid distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and believe we are now closer to physically returning to work, resuming business and reconnecting in person. And even getting on airplanes! Given that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that a large portion of our society needs to be vaccinated to successfully stop the spread of COVID-19 (who even knew what herd mentality was a year ago?), I want to share several updates on NTCA’s work in this arena given the role your association plays as an employer, the sponsor of a Group Health Plan and as an organization that is anxious to be able to host conferences and training events for our membership in real time once again.
After many discussions with the White House Office of Public Engagement about improving rural access to the vaccine, I was very pleased to learn that the Biden Administration has committed $10 billion for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and public education. This will expand vaccine access and will fund additional vaccinators in rural communities. It is so important that rural America not be left behind in the race for vaccinations and the opportunity for those with pharmacies and public health centers miles away to have convenient access to this protective measure.
NTCA also was recognized recently by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a founding member of the COVID-19 Community Corps, which seeks to get vaccines to more Americans, and I encourage our members to use their platforms as trusted community organizations to do their part in this effort as well. Your voice is so important in the communities you serve.
One way that NTCA’s Group Health Program (GHP) is doing its part to increase awareness of the vaccine is through a public service message from GHP Trust Committee members and SMC Board. These rural telecom leaders shared their thoughts on why it is “worth a shot” to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a vaccine is a highly personal decision and I encourage you to share this video message with your employees and board members. While I am still in queue to finish my vaccination process, given the high demand for the vaccine in Arlington, Virginia, I am grateful for the opportunity and will be thrilled when that last shot goes in my arm. I have also been witness to the kinder side of human nature and social media after having to resort to Facebook and Twitter postings on vaccine availability and how to get appointments as my fellow Virginians have stepped up to provide information where the Commonwealth has not. Another unexpected silver lining.
I am also grateful for the many ways our Group Health Program has been there for us over the last year. The spring issue of GHP’s “Discover Your Health Benefits” newsletter will be mailed to all medical plan participants shortly. Inside you will find information about GHP’s coverage for COVID-19 vaccines and resources related to the vaccine’s effectiveness in disease prevention and protection.
Many of you have already gone above and beyond to educate your employees and to support vaccinations in the communities you serve. For that, I thank you and invite you to share your videos, photos and stories by email or on social media with the hashtag #WorthAShot. The more we can create community support around protecting those we love and those we work with, the sooner we can get on to planning travel to the next NTCA conference.
