Pop-up clinic in a church? Putting faith in community immunity.

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Rev. Joseph Kiirya, River Jordan Ministries and Maombi Mwambutsa, Community Developer, Community Engagement Team, Ottawa Public Health.

The City and Ottawa Public Health have been thinking outside the community centre box to vaccinate populations whose access may be limited for various reasons, such as language barriers, misinformation or technology challenges. This creative thinking includes working with leaders and influencers trusted by their communities. Last week this led to the first COVID-19 vaccination clinic in a church, at River Jordan Ministries.

The church serves a predominantly Black Canadian population, whose origins span many countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. River Jordan Ministries is led by Rev. Joseph Kiirya, who championed the clinic idea and was instrumental in getting the word out through his church outreach, community WhatsApp chat groups and the International Pastors and Leaders Forum.

Rev. Kiirya understands that as a pastor, he has a responsibility to his people. “Most of my congregation is Black, mainly immigrants and newcomers, in most cases not aware of any city resources in the community. As a pastor you try and find the right resources and see how best you can connect those resources to the people. At one time it was HIV and another time diabetes prevention and in this case it’s COVID-19.”

The church and its community outreach efforts go beyond the Christian congregation to the broader neighbourhood. One clinic client was a local Muslim man. He wanted to move up his second dose appointment and was happy to come to a church for it.

The June 30 clinic vaccinated 60 residents, with either first or second doses. The majority of clients were young people, an age group whose vaccine uptake has been slower than others. Thanks to its success, there are plans for a second clinic at the same church.

Are you a faith community or neighbourhood organization interested in getting your members vaccinated in a comfortable and convenient setting? Contact Ottawa Public Health.

Visit ottawa.ca or OttawaPublicHealth.ca for more on Ottawa’s vaccination distribution plan.

Follow the City’s social media channels for updates on the provincial booking system. Sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination update e-subscription for regular news on the vaccine roll-out. 

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