Project Access expands mobile COVID-19 vaccine initiative in the mountains

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A mobile vaccine initiative in the mountains is being expanded thanks to an $80,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust.

Western North Carolina Medical Society and Project Access are organizing the program that's taking COVID-19 vaccines to historically marginalized communities. The program has been going on for several months.

"We’ve been working mostly with the Hispanic and Latino communities, but we are still working to be able to get into the Black neighborhoods," Health Access and Equity Programs director at WCMS Mariela Solano said.

Project Access has been committed to breaking vaccine barriers. The group's leaders said everyone deserves access to free COVID-19 vaccines.

“Dogwood Health Trust’s investment in our vaccine efforts has meant we can ensure that our all of our neighbors have access to the COVID vaccine,” Solano said.

WCMS’ Project Access provides free or low-cost comprehensive medical care to low-income, uninsured individuals, ranging from primary care, specialty care, inpatient surgeries, mental health and medications to interpreter services as well as referrals and navigation for socio-economic resources.

“Project Access has provided crucial connections to help people in our region access the care they need. The Mobile Vaccine Clinic Collaborative is a natural extension of their work with many partners,” Dogwood Health Trust interim CEO Dr. Susan Mims said in a news release. “Vaccinations are essential for moving beyond COVID-19, and mobile clinic outreach will allow more people to take advantage and get back to jobs, loved ones and healthier lives.”

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