Cooper Doctor Speaks to Faith-Based Group
Cooper University Health Care recently opened the first-of-its-kind neighborhood Vaccination and Education Center in East Camden at the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center. Cooper’s unique neighborhood Center has a strong education component to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for City residents. As a part of its education effort, Cooper kicked-off a series of COVID-19 education and information sessions on Friday, February 26, 2021, with a virtual presentation from a Cooper physician to Camden ministers and faith leaders.
John Porter, MD
John Porter, MD, director for the Center for Trauma Services/Division Head of Trauma Surgery at Cooper University Health Care, was the guest speaker at the Camden Faith-Based Resources meeting sponsored by Camden County Metro Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez. Dr. Porter discussed the effectiveness and safety of the available COVID-19 vaccines and addressed questions from the community. (Watch video here).
“As one of the hardest hit communities in Camden County during the COVID-19 pandemic, our goal is to remove barriers which may be limiting Camden residents’ ability to access the vaccine,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, co-CEO of Cooper. “One of the ways to accomplish this goal is for Cooper experts to communicate directly with people who may have questions about the vaccine. Clear and reliable answers from a Cooper expert will enable residents’ to make fully informed choices about the vaccine.”
“Our team of doctors and educators will be scheduling sessions with a wide range of community groups and organizations to provide information Camden residents can trust to make informed decisions, which will hopefully encourage more residents to be vaccinated,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-CEO of Cooper.
In addition to the education sessions, Cooper created a video series featuring physicians on why they received the vaccine and encourage others to do so.
Cooper’s neighborhood vaccine and education center is currently open on Mondays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Hours will expand as vaccine supplies increase. Vaccinations will be by appointment in accordance with New Jersey State prioritization categories. Multi-lingual staff will be available at the center to help residents sign-up for appointments and provide education on the vaccine.
For more information, call 856-225-6141.