“The experience was alright, it was pretty calm and quick.” said Amala, a current 10th grader at Carver. “All I had to do was just give them my vaccination card and then they had gave me a piece of paper to fill out my information.” said Amala.

Most of the students here at Carver participated in this vaccine drive whether it was for their health, for sports, or being able to go to places that require a vaccination card.

“So I actually caught close contact at the beginning of January, and my mom thought it would be best for me to get my vaccine,” said Amala. “So I got my vaccine because of food because I couldn't go out to eat. So then, when it was time for my second dose, my clinic ran out of the Pfizer vaccine, so I had to wait until they called back to have more. But luckily Carver had the vaccine drive and I was able to get my second dose.”

“The Black Doctor’s Covid Consortium is a group of individuals, both clinical and non clinical that share a vision of improving health outcomes for the under served.” said Ala. “It started obviously, in the midst of the pandemic exactly two years ago this month, because the resources required for the community most impacted were not present. And so we brought forth those resources with education and barrier free access to testing and contact tracing.”

This organization provided a way for fellow community members to receive a vaccine without having to go through the troubles that come with traditional health care settings.

“So I think people don't want to be tested in traditional health care settings, largely because of an untrustworthy healthcare system. And I say that that way, on purpose. Because so often people say black and brown people don't trust the health care system. And it is that the health care system has been untrustworthy, which is different.” Ala said. “So it takes the responsibility off of the individual, and more so places it on the institution that was put in place to protect, it hasn't always done that. It sometimes creates more barriers, it has been oftentimes untrustworthy. And so that's why people were more apt to come to a church parking lot, then go to the hospital. And also it's how you retreated when you got there. It's if you were welcomed, if you were turned away, then folks were more likely I think back in April of 2020. We were all that existed for a lot of folks. And so it wasn't even that they felt, you know, more comfortable it was we were the only place they could go.”

Many who attended the drive and heard about the drive expressed how smoothly the clinic ran, as well as how beneficial this drive was for Carver.

“I personally did not participate. But I did have some students that told me that it was very informative.” said Nurse Kara. “So I am glad that they were able to take part and to get that education that they needed. I also have had some kids who have gotten boosters and even their first shots and come in for me to get a little bit more education about the side effects and that sort of thing. So I think it was very successful.” said Nurse Kara.

Covid cases at Carver have gone down tremendously, as well as testing. Still, Carver is continuing to take precautionary measures to keep up with the minor covid cases.

“ Again, if you’re sick, do not come to school. Social distancing. If you have a cold or allergies, wear your mask if you’re sick. Wash your hands, wash your hands, and then wash your hands some more!” said Nurse Kara.

As we get closer to spring, students are slowly starting to take their masks off. Students and staff should continue to take the cautionary steps to remain in a safe and covid free school environment.

“And for the folks that say, most of the mandates have been lifted now i don't need to do it anymore , ya know i remind them that though you may be young and healthy that you can get covid and you might be okay, but the other folks in your house or even your teacher or your coach may not be okay, if you transmit it to them.” said Dr. Ala Stanford.