(WXYZ) — The State of Michigan is holding a series of virtual town halls to help inform residents about the COVID-19 vaccinations so that they can make an informed decision when it becomes available to them.
The vaccine is being distributed in a phased roll-out, with an emphasis on the health care system first.
The first town hall will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21. It will be focused on the faith-based community and will include the participation of the following people:
- Imam Mohammed Ali Elahi, Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights
- Rabbi Mark Miller, Congregation Beth El in Bloomfield Hills
- Bishop Charles Ellis III, Senior Pastor of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit
- Dr. Herbert Smitherman, MD, Detroit Receiving Hospital
- Reverend Lydia Bucklin, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan
“We recognize that residents have questions about the vaccine and that the faith-based community is uniquely positioned to help provide answers and guidance,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in a news release. “I’m grateful for the support of our faith-based partners in engaging in these important conversations. We want people to be able to have an opportunity to have their questions answered and get the facts about these safe and effective vaccines.”
Dr. Khaldun will also participate in the town hall, which will be moderated by Dion Williams, director of Faith-Based & Urban Affairs for Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The state says other town halls will be held in the coming months, including those focusing on the Black and Brown community and the general public, all in partnership with public health and community leaders.
You will be able to watch them on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Facebook page.
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